Initially, researchers will survey egusi marketing and processing to establish types of egusi used, production levels and shelling methods. In many parts of Africa, where farmers lack the access of dairy products or meat, these seeds are used as a substitute that provides them a lot of nutrition. Source – wikimedia.org. This plant is native to West and Central Africa. Finding new ingredients is just one of the joys of this culinary journey around the world. Here's how to prepare the popular Nigerian Egusi Soup using the fried method. If not harvested, a full grown plant remains in the ground for a long period of time. Egusi Seeds. Fresh seeds are neither edible nor tastes good. Definition of egusi in the Definitions.net dictionary. Get the latest recipes and tips delivered right to your inbox. Some of the popular Egusi recipes are-. Egusi belongs to the family of water melons. He gives me a key, which looks like the key to the security lock on my front door in real life. Seasons/Availability Egusi seeds are available year-round. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Egusi seeds are the fat- and protein-rich seeds of certain cucurbitaceous plants. Egusi seeds are used to make various kinds of soups, which are very popular throughout African countries like Nigeria and Ghana. If it is dusty, then it means the seeds older and the quality is not good enough. The seeds are generally white or creamy in color. Egusi (Colocynthis citrullus lanatus) is among 300 melon species found in tropical Africa. All rights reserved. Egusi seeds are the fat- and protein-rich seeds of certain cucurbitaceous plants. Egusi plant is native to West Africa. Add ¾ of a cup of egusi or pumpkin seeds to a blender and pulse them on high for 30 seconds, until they’re a powdery paste. A very rich, but expensive vegetable oil is also produced from this seed. Egusi is a seed that comes from a inedible gourd that looks similar to a watermelon. The figure is based on the dehulled seed, the kernel, which is the edible portion. ‘I still think my dad made the best egusi’ More example sentences Are you a customer, but do not have any login details yet? Each seed is covered with hard outer shell. The fruit from where melon seeds are extracted from are from a different variety of watermelon but a large seeded variety. Nigerian Egusi Seeds, Whole Melon Seeds for Egusi Soup, Nigerian Seasoning, African Food (200g / 8oz) 5.0 out of 5 stars 5. and egusi vegetable soup, egusi fried vegetable. Planting Egusi is very easy. These seeds are high with protein and oil contents as it is composed of 30% pure protein and 50% edible oil. You can plant egusi seeds in Nigeria in August, after harvest of other fruits and vegetables is nearly complete. All Nigerian Recipes. 1.1 A thick West African soup made with ground melon seeds, typically also containing leaf vegetables and meat or fish. Apart from that, the seeds are generally used in many West African cuisines. Sometimes fish, meat or vegetables are also added. Coarsely ground up, they thicken stews and contribute to widely enjoyed steamed dumplings. There are 234 calories in 1 serving of Egusi. 1. Authorities disagree whether the word is used more properly for the seeds of the colocynth, those of a particular large-seeded variety of the watermelon, or generically for those of any cucurbitaceous plant. This seed is known as Sesame in French speaking regions. At times, the seeds are blend with honey and water that produces a kind of liquid, which can be used for feeding children if breast milk is not available. Edited Abstract English (1999/11/28) Egusi seed is obtained from several types of melons. Egusi in English Egusi seeds are fat- and protein-rich seeds of certain cucurbitaceous (squash, melon, gourd) plants. Authorities disagree whether the word is used more properly for the seeds of the colocynth, those of a particular large-seeded variety of the watermelon, or generically for those of any cucurbitaceous plant. The taxonomy is not clear but the ECHO seed comes from what is probably a variety or sub-species of watermelon. Egusi belongs to the family of water melons. In West Africa, a region where soups are integral to life, Egusi is a major soup ingredient and a common component of daily meals. Current Facts Citrullus lanatus, or Egusi is a wild gourd native to West Africa and is a relative of the watermelon. The seeds must be roasted and they are delicious as a snack simply eaten whole. If grounded seeds are not stored in a proper way, it may be infected with fungi that produce aflatoxins, which are toxic. Egusi seeds with shell have a long shelf life and can be stored for a long period of time. This plant is usually cultivated for its oily seed. Meaning of egusi. Grind the crayfish with the ogiri okpei, also with a dry mill or spice grinder. Ground melon seeds should be used immediately but if stored in very cold temperatures, it can last up to a month and still retain its taste. All 3 can be used to make ‘Egusi’ style soup. Here is a brief description of the fruit and seed of this plant-, Unlike watermelon, the fruit of this plant is not edible. The seeds which resemble large, white melon seeds, are usually eaten as a … It will be better if you buy the seeds with outer shell, because this protects the seeds from getting contaminated. Dry seeds are often eaten as a snack. Egusi, when ground into powder, is the main ingredient in the following Nigerian soups used in eating fufu meals: Ground Egusi (melon) seeds are used to prepare this Nigerian soup recipe with an intercontinental taste. Authorities disagree whether the word is used more properly for the seeds of the colocynth, those of a particular large-seeded variety of the watermelon, or generically for those of any cucurbitaceous plant. One end of the seed is rounded while the other is tapered. Obtain a supply of seed at a local market. Egusi seeds are similar in flavor to pumpkin seeds. Seeds without shell easily pick up the moisture, which affects the taste as well as the nutritional value. It belongs to the gourd family of plants. They are cultivated during the beginning of the rainy season, in the months of April through June and harvested at the onset of the dry season, in the months of October through December. All rights reserved. var sc_security="9d00c268"; Feco ground or whole egusi is properly handpicked, cleaned, neatly and hygienically processed from Igbo egusi melon seeds which have a moderate thickening ability and stored in air-tight containers to retain taste and freshness. The authors thank Dr. Egusi Melon plants closely resemble watermelon plants; both have a non climbing creeping habit and deeply cut lobed leaves. The origin and the developmental genetics of Egusi phenotype are actually unknown. Picture 3 – Egusi Picture It is largely grown in countries like Nigeria, Northern Namibia, Ghana and Sierra Leon. Particularly in Nigerian culture, egusi is popular with pounded yam. The most traditional way to cook Egusi Soup. The seeds are then dried and the light brown husks removed by hand or mechanically. Fresh seeds are neither edible nor tastes good. In African countries, Egusi is known by many names like wild watermelon, ibara, agushi, ikpoghiri, egusi melon, neri niri etc. The branches of this plant are used to feed cattle. and belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. in the rainy season and it is harvested in October – December. This is to keep out weevils and moisture. 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