Melon, (Cucumis melo), trailing vine in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), grown for its often musky-scented edible fruit. The melon plant is native to central Asia, and its many cultivated varieties are widely grown in warm regions around the world.
Egusi is a protein rich seed of certain cucurbitaceous plant which after being dried and ground are used as a major ingredient in west Africa cuisine
It is also known as white melon seed. Its used to make a West African cuisine called Egusi soup and be grounded for oil. Egusi soup is a kind of soup thickened with the ground seeds and popular in west Africa with considerable local variation.
Nutrition Profile
Compound Per/1 serving
Macronutrient Energy
Fat
Carbohydrate
Protein
Fiber
Water
Sugar 126.4
8.5
2.8
10
0.8
1.2
Vitamins and Minerals Sodium, Potassium, Vitamin A, B12, B6,C,D,E, Calcium, Copper, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Niacin, Phosphorus, Riboflavin, Selenium, Thiamin, Zinc
Phytochemical and Antioxidant Oxalate, Flavonoids, Saponin
HEALTH IMPORTANCE
1. It Improves appetite
2. It improves the skin
3. It improves vision
4. It prevents malnutrition
5. It aids digestion
Possible uses in food preparation
It can be eaten raw or roasted, can be used as thickeners in soups, it can be used as snacks and also in flavoring foods.
