Egusi, a wild member of the gourd family, has the potential to spread its
popularity on the global market nearly as quickly as it grows. Native to parts
of Western Africa, this peculiar looking plant can grow just about anywhere,
from humid gullies, to dry savannahs, to tropical highlands –making it possible
source of food for farmers in even the worst conditions.
Although the egusi looks almost identical to its cousin, the
watermelon, don’t be fooled, they are actually quite different, Because
the Egusi is filled with very dry, bitter flesh, the seeds are the true
delicacy of this melon. Composed of nearly 50 percent edible oil and another 30
percent pure protein, these little seeds pack a lot of nutrition into a very
small package. In many parts of Africa, where farmers lack access to meat or
dairy, the high oil and protein content can make an excellent dietary
supplement.
While the seeds are often shelled and eaten individually
as a snack, many processed forms of the seeds have made their way into common
cooking practices. After soaking, fermenting, or boiling, the seeds take on
different flavors and are frequently added to thicken soups and stews. On their
own, the seeds can also be roasted and ground into a spread like peanut
butter. With further preparation, Egusi-seed meal can be pressed into
patties to be used like a meat substitute, and its oil can be used for cooking.
Composed of nearly 50 percent edible oil and another 30
percent pure protein, these little seeds pack a lot of nutrition into a very
small package.
The Egusi plant is also easy to grow. It is extremely
resilient to pests and diseases and because it blankets the ground as it grows,
it can help suppress weeds. Because of this, farmers often intercrop Egusi with
other crops, including sorghum, cassava, coffee, cotton, maize, or
bananas. Mature Egusi melons can also remain in the field for a long time
without rotting, so crop loss and waste is rare. And once the seeds are
harvested, they can be a reliable year-round food source because they
store well.
The Egusi can also be an important supplementary baby food,
helping prevent malnutrition. Blending the seeds with water and honey produces
a milky liquid that can be used as formula if breast milk is unavailable,
making the plant as diverse in its uses as it is easy to grow!