You know I’m a “no waste” kinda gal, right? In fact, juicing gave me a bit of stress until I came up with seven creative solutions to re-purpose the glorious (and expensive) pulp yielded from all of that liquid gold. You can check out that conundrum and its happy ending here. I was also pretty ecstatic when I learned that you can re-grow scallions in your own kitchen with nothing more than a glass of water (read that here). It really doesn’t take much. I’m such a cheap date.
So when I discover yet another way to avoid waste, I feel compelled to shout it from the rooftops (or my equivalent, this blog). What’s all the fuss about, you ask? Cantaloupe seeds, that’s what.
If you’re like most people (present company included, until recently), how do you go from point A (untouched) to point B (sliced and diced) with a cantaloupe? You likely:
Step 1: Slice it down the middle, and then perhaps in quarters.
Step 2: Scoop out the seeds, and toss them (ideally in the compost bin – but I’m not here to judge)
Step 3: Proceed with your preferred slicing technique.
Am I right? Sadly, the seed tossing that takes place in step #2 is the equivalent of throwing out a perfectly good batch of fresh quinoa, as they are loaded with nutrients and health benefits. Who FREAKING knew?!
Check out these awesome health benefits of cantaloupe seeds:
1. Great Source of Protein
For a food that is neither meat or dairy-based, the seeds of the cantaloupe provide an extraordinary source of plant-based protein, a whopping 21%. More good news for vegetarians and vegans! In a study published in the “World Applied Sciences Journal,” researchers found that the protein content in cantaloupe seeds is similar to that of soy milk. Now y’all know I’m not a fan of anything soy (read that rant here), particularly soy milk, but one cannot argue that it is a good source of protein.
2. Good for the Gut
The seeds of the cantaloupe and the “netting” around them are high in fiber. As you know, fiber is key for proper digestion and elimination, and frankly, something I’m kinda obsessed with – but I digress. In addition, the seeds are thought to have the ability to purge excess phlegm and congestion from the body.
3. Vitamin & Mineral-Rich
These glorious seeds are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, along with magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. This bodes well for cold and flu season, when our reserves of immune-boosting vitamin C are typically low, as well as the very important magnesium, which regulates blood pressure, cardiovascular function, improves bone density, decreases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and has been used in the treatment of migraines, insomnia, and depression. According to Mark Hyman, MD, up to half of Americans are deficient in magnesium and don’t realize it.
I’m Saving My Seeds, Now What?
I’d like to say that the possibilities of cantaloupe seed consumption are endless, but that’s just a big fat lie. You’ve pretty much got three options:
1. Consume them raw.
2. Roast them in the oven to snack on. Honestly, this is kind of a pain in the arse – with all of the aforementioned “netting” around the seeds, getting the seeds separated enough to roast is a part-time job that this busy mama doesn’t have the patience for. But if you do, have at it. Here’s a nice tutorial to get you on your way.
3. Toss them into a smoothie. This is my preferred consumption method. It’s super easy, and with my BFF, the Vitamix, it gets the job done so the end result is smooth as silk, and I’m not walking around with seeds in my teeth. The seeds make a great addition to just about any fruit or greens-based smoothie, with the exception of chocolate. That’s not a combo I’m ready to dive into.
What are some pleasant “no waste” surprises that you’ve stumbled upon? I’d LOVE to hear! Please leave a comment.
✂️ Cut Out the Wellness Noise
I personally promise not to send you wasteful spammy emails. 🚫✉️
When I send an email, I AM sharing my knowledge on Essential Oils, Cutting out Sugar, Detoxing, DIY, and so much more to help you on your wellness journey. 🥗🧶🌍
Thanks for sharing!
Funny how you said who knew that the Truth is the seeds would have such great health benefits.
Unfortunately this is something that the power of this world hid from us all
Great article and tips.Thanks for sharing. I’ve been throwing the seeds and netting over the balcony for the backyard critters to enjoy, if they so choose, but it’s nice to know I should be keeping at least some of them for myself. :-)
Haha! I know, I was doing the same (except in the compost bin)! Who knew?! And many thanks for the share! Much appreciated! Thanks for the comment! :)
I feed mine to the birds. When you put them in the blender do they get chopped up pretty small??
Love that idea too! Yes, I’ve got a Vitamix (http://bit.ly/12IdUtU), and they’re pretty much pulverized when I put them in my smoothies. Thanks for the comment! :)
Guess I’ll be saving my cantelope seeds too now and yes, using them in smoothies! Hate prepping to roast!
One of my “no waste” things is saving teabags (after making tea) in the freezer. Great for making a “tea water brew” for sunburns. Been using tea since childhood for sunburns and it still works great, however, just recently started freezing used teabags. It was one of my “duh” moments. :)
What a GREAT idea, Sharon! I never even THOUGHT to do that! Thanks for sharing! :)
Thanks for the info; I’m trying it in my nutribullet right now!
Right on, Joni! Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for the comment! :)
Where is your proof on the nutrition of cantaloupe seeds? Do you have a lab where you’ve physically broken down the seed? Do you have a phd in food science? You don’t post your references as to where you get your info. If you’re going to lead people and educate them, you better have your proof and show your sources.
Het WhatAnIdiot….your ignorance is showing. A simple Google search will give you the info you need. Stop with the ugliness, it shows your true self.
We do this, too, with our seeds! They are delicious. Have you considered letting them soak in a salty warm brine overnight to reduce the phytic acid/anti-nutrients and then dehydrating them?
Hi Sonia! Thanks for the comment! Great suggestion! I do that with my nuts but have been lazy with my seeds. Do you just soak them overnight and then rinse and use or do you dry them after soaking (like you do nuts)? :)
Or you can make a delicious mexican horchata drink based on the melon seeds : http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Horchata-de-Melon
Ooohhh! I LOVE this idea! Thanks for the comment, Linda! :)
That’s what I do I use the blender I add a bit of honey a spoonful of oats that makes it a little thicker like a smoothie and it tastes delicious and refreshing I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NATURAL REMEDIES FOR MY DIABETES AND THIS IS PERFECT THANK YOU….!
Try Avocados instead of oats for thicker smoothie ,I freeze my Avocados & other fruit for smoothies . I use 1/2 Avocado or 1 Tb. coconut oil with my smoothies . I use un sweet green tea , Dandelion , Plantain to make ice tea ( I keep in frig. ) instead of Ice . Really helps with
Cantaloupe is really a wonderful fruit…!! beautiful, delicious and nutritious !!
Thanks for the valuable info…. it also helps in keeping eyes healthy.
Thanks for the comment, Nilesh! Great point about eye health and cantaloupe. Such a nutritious food! :)
Hi Kristin, after reading this post, I was inspired to make a new muffin recipe using Cantaloupe Seeds. Would it be ok to use a link to this page in my post? Thank you for the inspiration!
Love adding seeds to my smoothies. Pumpkin seeds are by far the tastiest so far and raw pumpkin added to smoothies is also great! Thanks for all the nutritional info!
Traditional horchata is also made from cantaloupe seeds
Thank you! Thank You! Thank You! We go through a cantaloupe every other day and it was Killing Me chucking all those seeds it into my green bin, then buying pumpkin seeds in the store to eat. Honestly I think the only reason why I haven’t saved my Cantalope seeds and netting is because my older brother told me they were poisonous when I was a kid. Lol. From now on, Cantalope seeds for all!
Can you please tell me how much grams of protien is there in 100 grms of cantaloupe seeds ?? I really need to know this…will appreciate the help…thankyou…
I need more explanations on how to roast the pumpkins seed
I love adding toasted sunflower seeds to bread loaves when baking at home. Yesterday, while cutting a cantaloupe and before throwing away the seeds, I thought why shouldn’t I try the same with cantaloupe seeds? I was looking through the web to see what else I can do with the seeds when I found your blog telling their health benefits and the different ways we can eat them . Thank you, Kristen! :)
As a raw foodist, it only seems commonplace to scoop and eat whilst having the fruit. The seeds are also rich in some of the B Vitamins.
Thank you for this information. I always new the seeds were good for something, but never care to research. Now when people think I am weird because I blend them and drink it, I can inform them of all the nutrients I am getting. :-) I am from Mexico and the original orchata shake (agua de horchata), was made by blending the cantaloupe seeds, with water. Extra ingredients like milk and sugar were optional. Now orchata shake is made out of rice.
Earlier this year I saw the seeds in the local Halal Store. I learned that they were cantaloupe seeds and good for eating. I bought and looked it up. I was amazed at the nutrient. Now that they are in season and reasonable priced, I prepare them myself. I use a strainer to separate the seeds from the pulp, by using my finger to press against the seeds and pulp. Now I will use the pulp in my smoothie.
I’m trying to find out if you can sprout cantaloupe seeds and eat them. Anyone know?