When you’re making a salad or chopping up some tomatoes, you might notice that there are little greenish-yellow balls in the center of your tomato. These are called tomato seeds, but can they be eaten?
Can You Eat Tomato Seeds?
Yes, you can eat tomato seeds! They are a source of protein and contain many vitamins and minerals. The seeds have a mild, nutty flavor that goes well with other foods. You can eat them with the tomato or in a recipe.
Benefits Of Eating Tomato Seeds
Tomato seeds are a great source of health benefits. They are high in fiber, low in fat and sodium, cholesterol free, and contain no saturated fats.
Below are some of the benefits of eating tomato seeds:
They are rich in magnesium and phosphorus which help keep the heart healthy by reducing blood pressure and controlling blood sugar levels. Magnesium is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce pain.
Tomato seeds contain vitamin C which boosts the immune system and prevents illnesses such as colds and flu from occurring. Vitamin C also improves the skin’s appearance by keeping it hydrated and improving its elasticity.
Tomato seeds also contain iron which helps transport oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia which results in fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. It can also cause headaches due to a lack of oxygen reaching the brain cells properly.
What Do Tomato Seeds Taste Like?
To put it simply, tomato seeds taste like tomatoes. It’s difficult to describe the flavor of tomato seeds because they’re so subtle—they don’t have any distinctive taste of their own, but they do come with a trace of mild bitterness and a slightly sweet aftertaste.
They also have a mildly salty flavor, which is one reason why some people enjoy them as snacks or as part of savory dishes like salads or salsas.
How To Prepare Tomato Seeds
To prepare tomato seeds for eating, you first have to remove the pulp. You can do that by simply rubbing the tomato on a paper towel.
After you’ve separated the seed from its pulp, it’s time to store them in an airtight container. If you’re not planning on eating them right away, then there are two ways of doing this.
- One option is to freeze them. This will keep them fresh for up to six months at a time, but some people prefer not freezing because they think it makes them less tasty when eaten later (or maybe even more so).
- The other option is storing them in an airtight container like a Mason jar and keeping them at room temperature conditions (i.e., above 50 degrees Fahrenheit). This way works well if you plan on eating your tomatoes within three months; however, if not consumed within that timeframe then frozen storage works better since it keeps seed quality longer than non-frozen storage does.
What Can You Use Tomato Seeds For?
Tomato seeds are versatile and can be used in several different ways.
If you have extra tomato seeds, try these ideas:
- Make homemade salsa or sauce with them. The seeds give the dish a nice texture and provide a bit of crunch.
- Sprinkle them on top of salads or pasta dishes for some added texture and flavor.
- Use them as an ingredient in homemade bread or crackers. This is especially good if you want to add some protein to your diet.
- Add them to your favorite chutney recipe (or make one from scratch).
- Make salad dressing with tomato seeds.
Conclusion
As you can see, tomato seeds can be eaten and it’s nutritious as well. You can eat them with tomatoes or use the seeds in several recipes.
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
