Nobody would want to do without them in summer, because watermelons provide the perfect cooling on hot days. But the question often arises as to whether the tiny seeds are edible. The theory that they cause appendicitis is widely held.
Melon seeds are edible and healthy
Edible or not?
Melon seeds are very healthy. They contain valuable substances that support the vitality of the body. However, if you don't chew the seeds, your body will excrete them undigested. Grind the grains into a thick pulp so that the intestines use the components effectively. Despite their health-promoting properties, melons are inferior to other pome fruits and nuts because they do not contain any 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 become lodged in it. Unchewed seeds of melons, oranges and apples can pose a health risk. However, nutrition experts give the all-clear. The risk of the food components migrating through the two to three millimeter opening into the appendix is negligible.
use
In India, the seeds are ground into powder and added to bread dough. Roasted they provide a valuable snack. The Chinese focus on processing the seeds. Therefore, there are melon varieties with remarkably large seeds. They serve as the basis for ootanga or watermelon seed oil, which is used as an additive for cosmetics, salad or lamp oil.
remove cores
There is a way that you can extract the healthy seeds from the pulp. This procedure makes further use easier for you.
method
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 through the rim of the peel into the flesh at intervals of 1/4 inch to about 1 inch all around. Now the cut pieces of fruit can be pushed out with your finger. In each section, the cores are openly accessible 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 result in a healthy ingredient for smoothies and bread. As a tea infusion, the power seeds have a diuretic and cleansing effect. Roasted with a little oil, salt and pepper, they provide a topping for salads or a snack between meals. For the sweet dessert variant, roast the melon seeds with coconut oil and sugar.
tips
The seeds of 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 leave the summer refreshment in the fridge for a few hours.