Growing up, many of us heard myths about swallowing watermelon seeds, like that a watermelon will grow in your stomach if you swallow the seeds. If you’ve ever eaten a watermelon, hopefully you’ve realized that it isn’t true. But really, can you eat watermelon seeds? Are watermelon seeds really safe or even healthy to digest?
Rest assured that watermelon seeds are 100% safe to ingest. In fact, watermelon seeds contain lots of nutrients that you definitely want to enjoy. Instead of always spitting out your watermelon seeds, try eating them instead!
Black Seeds vs. White Seeds
A common tale you may have heard is that the white seeds are safe to eat, while the black seeds aren’t, or vice versa. Well, consider that myth busted. Both of these seeds are safe to eat, and the only reason they appear different is just maturity. The darker-colored seeds are mature and fertile, while the white seeds are what all seeds start out as before they develop. Basically, all the seeds begin light-colored, but as they grow and develop they become darker and develop black, red, or tan coloring. The white seeds cannot be used to plant and grow a watermelon plant, as they are infertile, but both types of seeds are edible.
Health Benefits of Watermelon Seeds
Watermelon seeds contain a lot of nutrients like magnesium, which helps with your body’s metabolic functions.The surprising amount of fat in these seeds, (about 51 grams per cup) can lower blood pressure or cholesterol levels. With Vitamin A for skin health, Vitamin C to fight against infections, and many antioxidants, watermelons are really healthy foods. The seeds definitely do not take away from this element at all.
How to Eat Watermelon Seeds
One great way to eat watermelon seeds is to let them sprout, and then roast them. The Kitchn outlines exactly how to sprout and roast watermelon seeds so you can enjoy this nutrient-dense food. For a less labor-intensive snack, you can also roast the raw black seeds for 15-20 minutes. You can also make a watermelon mint smoothie and throw the seeds in along with the flesh of the watermelon.
Watermelon seeds are completely safe to eat, and they offer many health benefits. The color of the watermelon seed doesn’t matter in regards to edibility, and all seeds are absolutely delicious.