Can You Eat Seeds in Eggplant?
Eggplants are a delicious and versatile vegetable that is a staple in many cuisines around the world. With their soft, meaty texture and vibrant purple color, they add a pop of color and flavor to many dishes. But have you ever stopped to think about what is inside an eggplant? Yes, we are talking about those little black dots that appear to be random speckles on the surface. Well, surprise, surprise! Those tiny dots are eggplant seeds, and we are here to talk about whether it’s safe and viable to eat them or not.
Short Answer:
No, you can not eat eggplant seeds unless they have been specifically prepared to remove the bitterness or toxicity associated with them. And even then, there are health concerns. Therefore, it’s usually recommended to simply cut out the seeds altogether when using eggplant in a dish.
Understanding the Seeds’ Bitter Taste
Those tiny black dots, also called the achenes, contain seeds surrounded by pulp. They contain a compound called solamine which is bitter and makes them unpalatable for consumption. This is because solamine is a member of the glycoalkaloids family, also found in wild potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, and other root vegetables, known to be toxic at high doses. For this reason, it is strongly advisable NOT to chew or suck out the seeds raw, or include them in eggplant preparation for consumption without proper removal and neutralization.
Effects of Poor Eggplant Consumption
So, what happens when you consume poorly cooked or raw eggplant seeds, ignoring these warnings? This reckless behavior might cause gastrointestinal issues, allergies, and even contribute to developing problems like neurological disorders and allergies, particularly children and babies are more likely to be sensitive and respond to the high levels of the natural toxin by developing issues as a digestive system upset to a lifelong allergy problem or even possibly a potential birth defect if women of child-bearing age consume poor preparation of seed-containing products before conception, as part of a normal diet containing too much glycotoxin as from raw spinach, eggplants etc. All these warnings illustrate the important need to control any food choices and the nutritional profile of your life.
Tips and Precautions While Handling and Eating Eggplants
| Bulk of Material | |
|---|---|
| **Glytooxins | (Burning sensation; Intestinal |