Melon Seeds

Melon, the fruit, is a fleshy fruit with plenty of oval seeds. Thought to be originally from the Middle Eastern region, the melon seeds were transported to the Americas by Columbus and the Spanish explorers. In India, these cooling and nutritious fruits are found in abundance during the summer time. Being low in calories and having high water content, it is refreshing and healthy.

The melon seeds, also known as magaz in Hindi. They are generally greyish white and hard shelled with a soft white inner kernel. They are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, fats and other nutrients. They lack any distinct scent but have a nutty and sweet taste. The melon seeds are used in baking, dressing of bread cake, confectionery, supari, sweets, refreshing drinks and snack foods. Also, they can be directly consumed after roasting.

Selection

The dried melon seeds are easily available in the stores. Melon seeds are laid out for drying, cleaned and these are then, processed and sold commercially. The seeds are sold withthe shell or peeled. It is the white melon seeds, which are used in Indian cooking and not the water melon seeds.

Culinary uses

The seeds are used for preparing delicious sweets like the halwas and fudges and savoury snacks.

Also, the melon seeds can be used as mouth fresheners when mixed with nuts and spices.

Melon seeds paste is added to spicy meat dishes to thicken its consistency.

The hard flesh of the melon fruit is not wasted either and is used to season various flours for making exotic breads. White melon seeds are fried and then used in making various types of cakes.

Another innovative usage for melon seeds is in cereals and fruit puddings.

How to store

Store melon seeds in an airtight container and keep it in a dry and dark place.

Health benefits

These seeds boost the immune and cardiovascular systems. They are believed to help in regulating the healthy blood-fat levels and also promote wound healing.

The properties featured in melon seeds are believed to help sustain healthy skin, nails and nerves.

Melon seeds contain high amounts of antioxidants, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc and protein.

They also contain vitamins C and E, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated oils.

They contain calcium, which is believed to be necessary for maintaining strong healthy bones and teeth, and is considered to help in combating osteoporosis.