Yes, it is but only when you prepare them to eat by roasting or boiling. You cannot eat the seeds raw as they contain toxic compounds.
Due to its exotic appearance and refreshing flavor, Rambutan is gradually gaining more popularity among fruitarians throughout the world.
While the fruit itself is extremely delicious with a juicy white center, the question arises whether you can eat its seed or not.
And if you can, how do you prepare them for human consumption?
Let’s find out below!
What Are Rambutans?
Rambutan is basically a Southeast Asian tropical fruit first cultivated in Malaysia. It’s a red hairy fruit of the golf ball size with a sweet and sour taste.
However, the juicy and creamy center part of the fruit is transparent which tastes like lychee. And the red skin around the fleshy center is covered with greenish hair.
If you ask how to eat Rambutan, you can easily cut through the soft outer part with a sharp knife.
However, you can also tear off the leathery skin with your fingernails.
When you eat the white middle part, you see a large seed inside. While enjoying this low-calorie fruit, make sure to get rid of the seed.
Can You Eat Rambutan Seeds?
Rambutan seeds are edible but in roasted form. As they contain toxic chemicals such as saponins, eating them raw could lead to several health hazards.
Besides, the seed is black, hard, and bitter in taste. Therefore, it’s not a good idea to consume them raw.
You can still eat a couple of Rambutan seeds raw without facing major issues, but not more than that.
On the other hand, roasted seeds show no sign of toxicity and are completely safe for human consumption.
Otherwise, you can also boil the seeds for at least 10 minutes before eating.
How to Eat Rambutan Seeds?
As already mentioned, you can eat the seeds inside Rambutans by roasting or boiling them.
To roast the seeds, first, wash them thoroughly. Then lay them out evenly on a baking tray. Bake the seeds for 30 minutes at 150°.
Of course, you need to stir them once in the middle not to burn the seeds.
Once roasted, this seed tastes like regular roasted almonds.
Alternatively, you can boil them for 10 minutes to enjoy Rambutan seed benefits.
However, the boiled seeds could also be ground up and the Rambutan seed husk could be used as a spice in several dishes.
Nutritional Value of Rambutan Seeds: Why Should You Eat Them?
Apparently, Rambutan seeds are a good source of protein and fiber. They are also rich in oleic acid and antioxidants.
The nutrition profile for Rambutan seeds is displayed in the chart below:
| Nutritional Element | Quantity (100 gm) |
| Fat | 0.68% |
| Protein | 0.91% |
| Iron | 0.34 mg |
| Nitrogen | 0.14% |
| Calcium | 9.58 mg |
| Magnesium | 12.3 mg |
| Potassium | 84.1 mg |
| Ash | 0.33% |
| Zinc | 0.17 mg |
| Manganese | 1.06 mg |
| Phosphorus | 16.6 mg |
| Sodium | 20.8 mg |
| Vitamin A | <40 IU |
| Vitamin C | 59.4 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.05 mg |
| Thiamin | <0.01mg |
| Total Sugar | 17.2% |
As you can see, just like the fruit, the seeds are also full of nutrients. Resultantly, you could be greatly benefitted by eating those roasted or boiled seeds.
For example, those nutty seeds help reduce cholesterol, improve heart health, and control blood sugar.
At the same time, the antioxidants in the seeds protect your body from potential damage.
Rambutan Seeds Side Effects: Are Rambutan Seeds Toxic?
Rambutan seeds are toxic containing saponins, a common toxin found in many tropical plants.
So, consuming them raw runs the risk of affecting your motor coordination if you have them in a large dose, around 2500 mg/ kg.
If you are concerned about Rambutan seed narcotic properties, the roasting process gets rid of them.
On the contrary, raw consumption of the inedible seeds may cause the following-
- If you eat the raw seeds in large quantities, you might be subjected to food poisoning.
- The raw seeds could be allergic to many people.
- You may fall sleepy, or dizzy. In short, the overall locomotor activity is greatly reduced.
- A large intake of the seeds could cause blood clotting or even lead you to a coma.
Point to be noted, all these Rambutan seeds’ side effects are visible when they are consumed in the wrong amount.
So, if you say, I accidentally ate a Rambutan seed- what should I do?
Nothing, just relax. Having one or two raw seeds won’t make much difference.
Can You Eat Rambutan Seed Skin?
No, you cannot. The skin of the seed is inedible as well. You shouldn’t try to consume the skin when the seeds are raw.
Can Rambutan Seeds Kill You?
Not really. But a large intake of raw seeds will surely lead to some health hazards such as stomach ulcers, acid reflux, or constipation. If you consume these seeds containing saponins, you might end up in a coma. So, beware!
How Many Rambutan Seeds Can You Eat a Day?
If you eat raw Rambutan seeds more than 2500 mg/ kg a day, it could lead to acute toxicity. That means having just a couple of raw seeds is free of severe health complications.
Final Words
As Chris Watson, a food and well-being enthusiast suggests, you should avoid both raw seeds and peels of Rambutans as they contain toxic chemicals.
However, you can definitely eat the seeds after you roast or boil them. In fact, having them in the right amount could be advantageous to your health.
But we suggest consulting your dietician before you consume these nutty seeds to avoid any complexities.
Hopefully, the guide above helps you decide whether you will try the seeds alongside the flesh of Rambutans or not.