Egusi

Egusi

Egusi is the backbone of West African cooking. These whole melon seeds are naturally rich in plant fats and protein, prized for the deep, nutty flavour and the thick, comforting body they bring to a classic soup.

Most egusi sold online comes pre-ground. We sell it whole, the way it is bought in the market at home, because seeds ground the day you cook taste noticeably richer — and whole seeds keep in your pantry far longer than powder.

Product of Nigeria, imported by Poshy Foods Inc., Ottawa, Ontario.

Key Features

• Whole seeds, not pre-ground — grind fresh for a nuttier flavour and a thicker soup
• Clean and hand-sorted — no stones, no husk, no fillers
• One ingredient only — whole melon seeds; no preservatives, no additives, no colouring
• Naturally rich in plant protein and plant fats — 8 g protein per 50 g serving
• Resealable 340 g / 12 oz pouch — sealed for freshness, easy to reclose between cooks
• Product of Nigeria — imported by Poshy Foods Inc., Ottawa

How to Use — Egusi Soup

1. Rinse the seeds.
2. Blend dry, or with a little water, to the texture you want — coarser for a rustic pot, finer for a smoother soup.
3. Simmer in hot oil or stock until it thickens and the oil rises.
4. Add ugu, spinach or your fresh vegetable of choice.

Serve with pounded yam, eba, fufu or rice.

Also Known As

In Central Africa egusi is known as pistache — the same seed behind gâteau de pistaches and sauce pistache, as well as egusi soup, stews and rich West African sauces.

Storage

Keep the sealed pouch in a cool, dry cupboard and reclose it between cooks. Once ground, store in an airtight container and use it sooner rather than later — ground seeds lose their oil and their flavour far faster than whole ones.