Is it Safe to Eat Watermelon Seeds?

Photo by Sahand Babali on Unsplash

Choosing between a seeded and seedless watermelon isn’t the only debate dividing watermelon lovers. What should you do with the seeds from your watermelon—if it has any in the first place—and are they safe to eat?

Nutritional Value

Watermelon seeds are edible and come with a long list of health benefits. They are one of the most nutrient-dense varieties of seeds on the market and contain a high level of iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and potassium.

How to Eat Them

Most people avoid eating raw watermelon seeds, out of fear they might contain harmful chemicals, but that’s far from the truth. Raw seeds are not toxic, but this isn’t the best way to consume them because they’ll move through your digestive tract without being digested.

If you actually want to reap the benefits of watermelon seeds, you should try roasting them. Make sure to give them some time to dry, and use them as a snack or an addition to your smoothie bowls and salads once they’re roasted.