Nobody wants to be without them in summer, because watermelons provide the perfect way to cool off on hot days. But the question often arises as to whether the tiny seeds are edible. The theory that they cause appendicitis is widespread.
Can you safely eat melon seeds?
Melon seeds can be eaten without hesitation as they contain he alth-promoting ingredients such as zinc, minerals and vitamins. The risk of appendicitis from unchewed seeds is extremely low.
Edible or not?
Melon seeds are very he althy. They contain valuable substances that support the body's vitality. However, the body excretes them undigested if you do not chew the seeds. Grind the grains into a thick paste so that the intestines utilize the ingredients effectively. Despite their he alth-promoting properties, melons are inferior to other pome fruits and nuts because they do not contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Ingredients:
- 10 milligrams of zinc per 100 grams of kernels
- rich in minerals and vitamins A, B and C
- Magnesium, calcium and iron
- Omega-6 fatty acids and proteins
What about appendicitis?
Inflammation of the appendix can be caused by indigestible foreign bodies that get stuck in it. Unchewed seeds from melons, oranges and apples can pose a he alth risk. However, nutrition experts give the all-clear. The risk of food components migrating through the two to three millimeter opening into the appendix is negligible.
Usage
In India, the seeds are ground into powder and added to the bread dough. Roasted, they provide a valuable snack. The Chinese focus on processing the seeds. That's why there are melon varieties with noticeably large seeds. They serve as a base for ootanga or watermelon seed oil, which is used as an additive for cosmetics, salad or lamp oil.
Removing the cores
There is a way to remove the he althy seeds from the pulp. This procedure makes further use easier for you.
Procedure
Using a long and sharp knife, cut off both ends of the watermelon. Halve the fruit and place each half vertically on a cutting board. Insert the blade all the way around the edge of the peel into the flesh at intervals of four centimeters to about two centimeters deep. Now the cut pieces of fruit can be squeezed out with your finger. In each section the seeds are exposed so that you can scrape them out with a spoon.
Recipe ideas
The dried watermelon seeds can be ground into powder with a mortar, coffee grinder or high-performance blender and make a he althy ingredient for smoothies and bread. As a tea infusion, the power seeds have a diuretic and cleansing effect. Roasted with a little oil, s alt and pepper, they make a topping for salads or a snack in between. For the sweet dessert version, roast the melon seeds with coconut oil and sugar.
Tip
The seeds from a melon can be pureed with 40 grams of sugar and a liter of water to make a refreshing drink. Add vanilla, cinnamon or lemon juice to taste and let the summer refreshment steep in the fridge for a few hours.
