Melonseed Production by Country 2025
Melonseed (egusi!)—West Africa's protein-packed treasure—thrives across 14 countries with Nigeria dominating at 573,570 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 573,471 tonnes by 2025. Across all producing nations, output reached 970,015 tonnes in 2023, a 0.2% improvement from 2022. Sudan follows with 88,716 tonnes, while DR Congo produces 62,859 tonnes. These seeds from egusi melons (Citrullus lanatus) are culinary staples, not the watermelon seeds you spit out! Whether you're making Nigerian egusi soup, grinding them into paste, or roasting them as snacks, melonseeds deliver protein and flavor. From ancient African cuisine to modern superfood, egusi proves that the best part of the melon might be the seeds!
Nigeria's 573,570 tonnes represents about 59% of global melonseed production, with remarkably stable output around 570,000-585,000 tonnes. Production spans southern and middle belt states where egusi melons grow alongside food crops. Nigerian cuisine revolves around egusi—the ground seeds thicken soups and stews, providing protein and rich, nutty flavor. Egusi soup (with leafy greens, meat, and spices) is national dish. The seeds are also roasted as snacks and pressed for oil. Challenges include limited improved varieties, post-harvest losses, and informal markets. However, egusi's cultural importance and nutritional value ensure continued cultivation. Modern Nigerian farms experiment with improved varieties and better processing, though traditional methods dominate. The egusi industry supports millions of smallholders. Sudan produces 88,716 tonnes with high volatility (71,442 to 129,000), reflecting weather impacts. DR Congo contributes 62,859 tonnes, Mali 48,947 tonnes, Cameroon 46,131 tonnes, and Central African Republic 38,705 tonnes. Chad (24,617 tonnes), South Sudan (23,731 tonnes), and Congo (3,645 tonnes) maintain production. These countries grow egusi melons for seeds, with the fruit flesh often discarded or fed to livestock. The seeds are dietary staples, providing protein in regions with limited meat access. Traditional cultivation involves intercropping with maize, cassava, or yams. Processing is manual—seeds extracted, washed, dried, and stored. The informal nature of markets makes production data uncertain. However, egusi's importance in West and Central African cuisine ensures continued cultivation. China produces 28,213 tonnes, Iran 26,837 tonnes, and Mexico just 10 tonnes. These countries grow melonseeds for different purposes—China and Iran for roasted snacks and oil, not the egusi soup tradition. The limited geographic range reflects egusi's specific cultural importance in Africa. While watermelon seeds are consumed globally, true egusi melons (grown specifically for seeds) remain African specialty. The crop hasn't spread globally like other African crops (coffee, okra) because egusi's culinary uses are culturally specific. However, African diaspora communities create demand in Western countries, driving small-scale imports. Melonseeds pack serious nutrition—35% protein, 50% fat (mostly unsaturated), vitamins B and E, minerals (magnesium, zinc, iron), and fiber at 600 calories per 100g. The protein is high-quality with essential amino acids. Culinary uses center on West African cuisine: egusi soup (ground seeds thicken and flavor), roasted snacks, seed paste, and egusi oil. The seeds have rich, nutty flavor. Preparation involves drying, roasting (optional), and grinding into powder or paste. The ground seeds thicken soups while adding protein and flavor—crucial in regions with limited meat. Egusi oil (pressed from seeds) is cooking oil. Fun fact: egusi melons are grown for seeds, not fruit—the flesh is bitter and usually discarded! Egusi melons thrive in tropical climates with temperatures 25-35°C and rainfall 600-1,000mm. Growing season is 90-120 days. Plants are vining cucurbits similar to watermelons but selected for seed production. Farmers grow egusi intercropped with maize, cassava, or yams, maximizing land use. Harvest occurs when fruits mature and dry. Seeds are extracted manually, washed, and sun-dried. Major challenges include diseases (fusarium wilt, anthracnose), pests (fruit flies, beetles), and limited improved varieties. The crop requires minimal inputs, making it accessible to smallholders. Modern research develops higher-yielding varieties with disease resistance. However, traditional varieties dominate, selected over generations for seed quality and flavor. Melonseed markets are largely informal in Africa, with seeds valued at $1-3/kg depending on quality and season. The cultural importance exceeds economic value—egusi is identity food, not commodity. Urban demand drives market growth as African cities expand. However, production data is uncertain due to informal nature. Climate change brings irregular rainfall affecting yields. The crop's drought tolerance helps, but extreme weather challenges production. Retail trends in diaspora communities create export opportunities—African stores in US, Europe stock egusi. Processing innovations include pre-ground egusi powder and egusi paste. However, most consumers prefer whole seeds for freshness. The lack of formal value chains limits market development. Global melonseed production should remain stable around 970,000 tonnes through 2025, with Nigeria maintaining dominance. Growing African populations drive demand expansion. Urban migration increases processed egusi demand. The crop's nutritional value (35% protein!) positions it well for food security. Climate-adapted varieties help cope with irregular rainfall. However, egusi will remain African specialty, unlikely to achieve global commodity status. The cultural specificity of egusi cuisine limits international markets. Diaspora demand creates niche export opportunities. This ancient African crop's protein content and cultural importance ensure its future in West and Central African food systems. From traditional soups to modern protein sources, egusi proves that regional specialties can be nutritional powerhouses!🏆 Nigeria's Egusi Empire
Melonseed Production by Country 2025
1
573,471
2
87,885
3
62,811
4
48,802
5
46,367
6
38,728
7
28,373
8
26,924
9
24,648
10
23,760
11
3,641
12
2,482
13
1,567
14
10
🌍 African Melonseed Belt
🌏 Limited Global Production
💪 Protein-Rich Seeds
🌱 Tropical Melon Cultivation
📈 Informal Markets and Cultural Value
🔮 Cultural Staple's Future
Melonseed Production by Country 2025
#
1
585,085
567,566
573,319
575,323
572,069
573,570
573,471
2
129,000
96,000
71,442
82,634
89,999
88,716
87,885
3
62,019
61,751
62,739
62,725
62,789
62,859
62,811
4
41,761
40,393
45,457
51,499
46,763
48,947
48,802
5
47,929
48,231
47,251
46,806
46,468
46,131
46,367
6
38,595
38,961
38,621
38,725
38,769
38,705
38,728
7
28,714
28,333
28,560
28,670
28,441
28,213
28,373
8
26,952
27,556
26,494
27,001
27,017
26,837
26,924
9
24,482
24,946
24,508
24,645
24,700
24,617
24,648
10
23,626
24,033
23,626
23,761
23,807
23,731
23,760
11
3,618
3,633
3,637
3,633
3,639
3,645
3,641
12
2,543
2,520
2,516
2,503
2,487
2,471
2,482
13
1,586
1,584
1,580
1,573
1,568
1,563
1,567
14
10
10
9
10
10
10
10
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most melonseed in the world?
Nigeria is the world's largest melonseed producer with 573,570 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 573,471 tonnes by 2025, accounting for approximately 59% of global production. Sudan ranks second with 88,716 tonnes showing high volatility, while DR Congo ranks third at 62,859 tonnes. Nigeria's remarkably stable production (570,000-585,000 tonnes) reflects egusi's cultural importance—the ground seeds are essential for egusi soup, a national dish. Production spans southern and middle belt states where egusi melons grow alongside food crops. The seeds provide protein and rich, nutty flavor in Nigerian cuisine, supporting millions of smallholder farmers.
Are melonseeds the same as watermelon seeds?
Not quite! While both come from Citrullus species, egusi melonseeds come from specific melons (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) grown FOR their seeds, not fruit. These egusi melons have bitter, inedible flesh—farmers grow them solely for large, protein-rich seeds. Watermelon seeds (from sweet watermelons) are smaller and eaten as roasted snacks. Egusi seeds are larger, meatier, and used differently—ground into powder for thickening soups (especially Nigerian egusi soup), not just snacked on. The flavor is richer and nuttier. Nutritionally, both are high-protein and high-fat, but egusi seeds are specifically selected for culinary properties. You can't substitute watermelon seeds for egusi in recipes—the size, flavor, and texture are different. Think of it like comparing field corn (grown for processing) to sweet corn (grown for eating)—same species, different purposes!
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 13.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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