How to Blend Egusi Seeds

Cook authentic African recipes by learning how to blend egusi seeds!

Egusi seeds, also known as melon seeds, are seeds that you get from certain types of melons in West African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. You just need to harvest and dry the seeds to use them for cooking.

They have an oval shape, usually flat, and light brown to white in color. Egusi seeds are versatile ingredients, making them suitable for African dishes. Their mild and nutty flavors also make them so much better for your recipes.

For a long time, egusi seeds have been an important part of West African cuisine, especially for soups and stews. Start your African cooking journey by learning how to blend egusi seeds!

How to Blend Egusi Seeds

If you can’t find blended melon seeds at your local grocery store, then let’s do it at home together. All you need are some fresh egusi seeds and a blender or food processor to blend away in just minutes.

Before anything else, let’s talk a little bit more about the egusi seeds.

Ingredient

Let’s talk about the egusi seeds as ingredients!

Egusi seeds

Have you used egusi seeds for your recipes before?

I love using these melon seeds as thickeners and seasonings for soups and stews. You can soak, boil, or ferment them to release an incredible aroma and taste. When raw, they are small, oval-sized, white seeds that resemble pumpkin seeds. 

Egusi seeds are great for keeping your skin healthy. They are also rich in protein for a balanced diet. Healthful Wonders suggests these seeds for pregnant women to nourish their babies. 

Health Benefits of Egusi Seeds

What health benefits can you expect from egusi seeds?

Good for your heart

According to The Prediabetes Nutritionist, the potassium in Egusi seeds can protect your heart from problems. The nutrients from these seeds can help this organ function at an optimum level.

Nourishes your hair

One of the ways to take care of your hair without chemicals is to use these seeds for meals. They can help with hair growth for thick and healthy hair!

Helps strengthen your bones

Enjoy quality workout sessions by strengthening your bones with melon seeds. These can build and relax muscles to help you achieve your fitness goals. It also gives your body better mobility for day-to-day life.

Get glowing skin

Feel more confident in your skin by using these seeds! Pulse Nigeria shared that you can appreciate a gorgeous glow that only comes with natural melon seeds.

Vegan and vegetarian

You can add these to your meals if you’re on a vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diet. In fact, I suggest them for dishes and drinks to help you maintain your preferred diet. You can also use them as substitutes for meat and chicken!

Immunity boosters

Protect yourself from health problems by boosting your immunity with Egusi seeds. Say goodbye to colds and flu because these seeds are lifesavers! Always be in your best health condition by relishing these melon seeds.

If you haven’t tried melon before, then this is the perfect opportunity to incorporate them into your dishes and drinks! 

Directions

How easy is it to blend egusi seeds?

1. Put the seeds in a blender.
2. Blend until powdered.
3. Transfer contents into a container to store!

To achieve a blended quality, you can also use a food processor or mortar and pestle. 

It doesn’t get easier than this! You get high-quality, organic, and nutritious egusi seeds perfect for your favorite recipes in just minutes. 

Tips

Buying egusi seeds

Melon seeds are readily available in grocery stores. Sometimes, they also come in the grounded version, so you don’t have to blend them. Ensure that the container has no holes or openings to prevent contamination. 

Extracting egusi seeds

If you have melons at home, then now is a perfect time not to let the seeds go to waste. Wait until the melons are fully ripe, and slice the melon in half. Then, scrape off the seeds with a spoon. Wash and dry the seeds before blending to prepare the powder. 

Egusi Seeds Variations

Aside from blending the melon seeds, you can roast them in the oven or pan to make a simple snack. Instead of melons, you can also use seeds from squash or gourds. It’s also okay to add some spices for more flavor.

In case you don’t have a blender or food processor, you can use a coffee grinder instead. Sometimes, I use the old-fashioned mortar and pestle to do the job, too. Any device with a grinding function can work well for blending the seeds.

Recommended Tools

• Blender: Blend the egusi seeds using this machine. 
• Container: Put them in a clean container. 

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How to Use Blended Melon Seeds

Are you wondering how you can use the egusi seeds once they’re blended?

In Africa, there are so many ways to use it. For one, you can use it to cook the traditional Egusi Soup that comes with vegetables, meats, fish, and a savory sauce. The egusi seeds act as thickeners for a rich and nutty soup.

There’s also egusi sauce that you can make with seeds, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and seasonings. It goes so well with rice, couscous, and yams. The egusi seeds will also work well as a dip or spread for bread and crackers.

I also suggest making egusi pudding by mixing the egusi with water, spices, and vegetables, and steaming until the pudding sets. You can even cook it into a porridge with broth, vegetables, and other spices.

Did you know that whole melon seeds can also make great snacks? Just toast them in a frying pan for several minutes or until slightly brown, puffy, and crunchy. No matter how you use it, the egusi seeds will always give the best results!

Storage Tips

At room temperature: Store the egusi seeds in a container or resealable bag. Place it at room temperature to last up to several days or weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is egusi seeds made of?

Egusi seeds are part of the melon fruit, hence, they are also called melon seeds. They are different from watermelon or pumpkin seeds. These seeds are dried and ground until they’re ready for cooking.

What is egusi seed called in English?

Egusi seeds are known as melon seeds in English. There are also ones from white melon to substitute these ones for recipes.

What fruit is Egusi?

The Egusi is a type of watermelon that has light and dark green shades. It has pale white flesh and lots of seeds inside that you can replant and use for your recipes. Interestingly, it is only grown for its seeds because the flesh is inedible!

Can I eat raw Egusi seeds?

As long as you remove the shell, you can eat the Rgusi seeds raw. You can improve the flavor by roasting or toasting them. They usually have a nutty and toasted flavor.