I can’t believe I’ve spent my whole life thinking watermelon seeds are inedible! My grandma’s to blame, because she told me to spit them out otherwise a watermelon might grow in my tummy. Well, it turns out they’re not only edible, but they are super-nutritious, and rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, zinc, essential fatty acids and protein. They are an especially popular snack in China, where they’re enjoyed like sunflower seeds and eaten by the fistful.
Raw, watermelon seeds taste rather bitter, but once toasted they become nutty and moreish. They still have their hard outer shell, a bit like those sunflower seed snacks you find in Spain, so either just crunch your way right through it or crack and peel it off before eating. The toasted seeds can also be used like sunflower and pumpkin seeds, for sprinkling over yoghurt or salads, or baking into bread or muffins.
