Egusi Melon Varieties
(Citrullus lanatus )
Egusi melon is a fast-spreading creeping vine. The taxonomy is not clear but the ECHO seed comes from what is probably a variety or sub-species of watermelon. The white, bitter fruits are inedible; instead it is grown for the seeds which contain 50% oil and 30% protein and can be ground into a paste to be used as a protein rich thickening agent. In parts of West Africa egusi is used in soups and other meals. Egusi melon can provide effective weed suppression in mixed planting systems with crops such as yams, maize and cassava.