Egusi seeds come from the Egusi gourd, which looks very similar to a watermelon. Unlike a watermelon, however, the fruit from the Egusi gourd is bitter and not edible, so these gourds are grown primarily for their seeds. These seeds are similar in size to small pumpkin seeds and a bit creamier in flavor.
Can I use pumpkin seeds instead of egusi?
Pumpkin seeds are a great substitute for egusi, even though pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw. The only difference is the paste comes out a pastel green color, but that does not matter once it is in the stew. Pumpkin seeds do not have as strong a flavor or scent as egusi, but they work very well.
What is egusi called in English?
white-seed melon
Its common names include egusi in Yoruba ”’Egwusi”’ in Igbo and agushi in Hausa. In English it is known as Mann’s cucumeropsis and white-seed melon.
What is another name for egusi?
Egusi (also known by variations including egwusi, agusi, ohue, Ikpan, Ikon, agushi) // ( listen) is the name for the protein-rich seeds of certain cucurbitaceous plants (squash, melon, gourd), which after being dried and ground are used as a major ingredient in West African cuisine.
Is pumpkin seeds same as melon seeds?
Most customers are used to one of these two types. Because they have a different color, light green and dark green, melon kernels do not have the same looks. Melon kernels have a white/crème color and a totally different appearance than pumpkin kernels. They also have almost the same content as pumpkin seeds.
What can I substitute for egusi seeds?
pumpkin seeds
If you can’t find Egusi seeds, you can substitute pumpkin seeds. Any combination of crab, shrimp, and smoked fish can be used in place of the shrimp. Drained, smoked oysters and chicken can be used in place of the beef.
What type of seed is egusi?
In this chapter egusi is presented primarily as the seed of one species, Citrullus lanatus, a type of watermelon. That species is indeed very popular, thanks to its productivity and food quality.
What is pumpkin seed called in Nigeria?
Ugu
Pumpkin Seeds (Ugu)
What does egusi do in the body?
Egusi seeds are rich in vitamin A, which is crucial for forming and maintaining healthy bones. In addition, Egusi seeds are high in vitamins B1 and B2, which are both important for growth and the production of red blood cells.
How healthy is egusi soup?
Egusi is packed with many vital and beneficial nutrients which are good for the body and these nutrients are not limited to protein, potassium, vitamin B1, sulphur, fats, calcium, magnesium, carbohydrate, zinc, copper, vitamins A, E and C, manganese, dietary fibre and more.
Does egusi raise blood sugar?
Egusi seed oil also reduced blood sugar levels in mice with diabetes. 2 | Lowers lipid levels: High blood levels of lipids (fat, cholesterol, and triglycerides) in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Ground egusi seeds lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels in patients with high blood lipid levels.
What does egusi taste like?
Egusi, on its own, has a rich and nutty flavor. You could also say that it tastes like pumpkin seeds, although they are a bit blander than Egusi. Egusi gourd looks similar to a watermelon, but it is green/yellow instead of red and bitter instead of sweet.
Are watermelon seeds egusi?
An unusual seed mutant in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) has seeds with a fleshy pericarp, commonly called egusi seeds. The origin of the phenotype is unknown, but it is widely cultivated in Nigeria for the high protein and carbohydrate content of the edible seeds.
What are pumpkin seeds called?
pepitas
People often refer to pumpkin seeds as “pepitas,” which is Spanish for “little seed of squash.”
Which is better watermelon seeds or pumpkin seeds?
Watermelon seeds are higher in Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Manganese, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B1, Folate, and Vitamin B2, yet Pumpkin seed is higher in Potassium. Watermelon seeds’ daily need coverage for Phosphorus is 95% more. Watermelon seeds have 12 times more Vitamin B3 than Pumpkin seed.
How can I eat pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw but taste especially delicious roasted. To roast them, toss them in olive oil or melted butter, plus salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you desire. Spread them on a baking sheet and cook them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 30–40 minutes, or until brown and crunchy.
What is Egusi made of?
Egusi soup typically features meat (such as beef, smoked poultry, goat, cow skin, and offal) and seafood (smoked dried fish or stockfish), as well as awara (Nigerian tofu), mushrooms, and greens.
Is Egusi soup good for weight loss?
It helps you stay full and you have less craving for food. Also, vitamin B in Egusi can help your body metabolise carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It helps your body use stored energy in food. In fact, a study says vitamin B deficiency could lead to obesity or excess weight gain (4).
What is fufu and Egusi?
Fufu is a staple food in West and Central Africa. It is a swallow with a neutral taste that is usually served with different types of soups. For example, in Nigeria, it is served with soup like Ogbono, Egusi, Efo riro. In Ghana, foo foo is usually a combination of mashed yam, plantain, and cassava.
Can a diabetic patient eat Egusi soup?
Egusi soup is a controversial meal for diabetics. While some recommend it, others believe it contains too much sugar. In my opinion, foods that are controversial are best avoided. Amala from unripe plantain is highly recommended for diabetic patients.
Is egusi good for the heart?
Egusi contains a high amount of fatty acids which are “unsaturated” and this makes it beneficial for the heart as it helps in reducing the chances of heart diseases by constantly reducing the blood cholesterols which are known to be bad for the heart.