Egusi

[Agusi, Agushi; Citrullus lanatus -or- Citrullus colocynthis]

This product is made from the seeds of a variety of watermelon and used throughout the countries of West Africa. The seeds are toasted, shelled and ground. It is a popular thickner for stews and soups throughout the region, including Egusi Soup. This thickner is gluten free.

Many sources list these seeds coming from C. colocynthis, but that seems unlikely. Though C. Colocynthis seeds have been ground into flour by Berbers, it is adapted to very arid regions and doesn't grow much south of the Sahara. More likely is a wild variety of C. lanatus, group Vulgaris, related to the domesticated watermelon, as these are native to West Africa.

Buying:

In North America, prepared and ground Egusi is available on-line, and probably in a few markets specializing in African foods. The photo specimen was from Jeb Foods.

Substitutes:

Other seeds of family Cucurbitaceae can be toasted, shelled and ground. Mexican Pepitas are quite available and can be used. Easiest to buy them already shelled, toasting them lightly before cooling and grinding in a food processor.

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© Andrew Grygus - agryg@clovegarden.com - Photos on this page not otherwise credited are © cg1.- Linking to and non-commercial use of this page permitted.