Melon seeds (Egusi)

タイトルまたは説明

Melon seeds come from bitter apple fruits. They are cholesterol-free and rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants and minerals, and possess superior medicinal and nutritional benefits. Melon, also known as bitter apple seed, is native to Africa, Asia, Arab, and some Mediterranean countries. People in Asia and the Middle East use egusi plants, fruits, and seeds to treat a variety of conditions including intestinal disorders, bacterial infections, jaundice, asthma, and diabetes. However, egusi is a staple food in Nigeria and many other West African countries like Ghana, Togo, and Cameroon. West Africans grind egusi seeds before cooking them with leafy-green vegetables, meat, palm oil, herbs and seasonings to form a thick soup. Nigerians typically eat egusi with ba (a dough made from dried cassava), pounded yam or fufu (another dough made from cassava). Like many other African foods, there is limited information about the health and nutritional benefits of egusi. The studies that exist show it is a source of several essential micronutrients and polyphenolic compounds that prevent certain chronic diseases.