If you grew fearing that the watermelon seeds you swallowed would become a tree in your stomach, you're not alone; all our mothers told us that. However, besides the fact that watermelons grow on a vine and not a tree (sorry mom), it turns out that these little brown seeds are great for you. For starters, at around 150 calories for an ounce, roasted watermelon seeds are pretty low calorie, offering you the satisfying crunch of a packet of chips without the saturated fat and sodium. They're also full of magnesium, iron, good fats, and zinc. So yes, great for hair, skin, bones and muscle recovery.
Also read: Are protein bars really good for you?
Convinced? Here are some great ways to use watermelon seeds
Watermelon seed chutney
Fancy a delicious, spicy chutney to pair with crisp dosas or pillowy idlis? Stir-fry some roasted watermelon seeds with tomatoes, curry leaves, garlic and green chillis. Cook till the tomatoes soften, mixing occasionally. Add cilantro, let it cool, then whizz it all together in a blender with salt. Voila, your chutney is ready.
Watermelon seed and peanut laddu
Roast watermelon seeds and peanuts separately. Blend and sift the watermelon seeds; do the same to the peanuts. Mix them together, adding sugar and ghee, Roll the laddus and decorate with dry fruits.
Watermelon seed butter
This one is easy. Just blend the seeds in a blender till the oil separates. Add salt and it is ready, ta da.
Also read: Ten ways to eat pumpkin seeds
