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Cekilek is a wild seed native to Anatolia, rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
In season: Summer · Autumn
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 tablespoon (medium) of Cekilek (10 g) has 48 calories. That works out to 480 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.2 g of carbs, 1.8 g of protein, 3.8 g of fat and 1.4 g of fiber. Its 0.1 mg of Copper covers 9% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 10 g
48
KCAL / 10G
Carbs
1.2g
· 0% DV
Protein
1.8g
· 4% DV
Fat
3.8g
· 5% DV
Fiber
1.4g
· 5% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 10% · Protein 16% · Fat 74%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 48 kcal | |
| Total fat | 3.8 g | 5% |
| Saturated fat | 0.42 g | 2% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0.8 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 1.2 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% |
| Protein | 1.8 g | 4% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 10 g | 48 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 4 g | 19 kcal |
| 1 piece (mini) | 5 g | 24 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (large) | 20 g | 96 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 30 g | 144 kcal |
| 1 pack (medium) | 50 g | 240 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 480 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 120 g | 576 kcal |
Calculated from 480 calories per 100 g.
Cekilek is a wild seed native to Anatolia. It is described as unprocessed and contains protein, fibre and healthy fats; the name should not be assumed to mean a familiar seed such as sunflower or pumpkin.
You can eat Cekilek on its own or sprinkle it over foods such as salads and yoghurt. Try a small amount first to see how its flavour and texture work in the dish.
Yes, you can roast Cekilek at home. Use a pan or oven and keep a close eye on it, stirring often; small seeds can burn quickly, so take them off the heat as they begin to darken.
Yes, food-grade Cekilek can be eaten raw. Since it is a wild seed, do not eat seeds gathered from the wild unless you have reliably identified them and know they are safe to prepare.
Cekilek should not be assumed to taste exactly like sunflower or pumpkin seeds; it is its own wild seed. Try it plain first so that seasonings or other ingredients do not mask its flavour.
Cekilek is native to Anatolia. The precise growing locations and harvest season are not specified, so it is better not to assume that it comes from a particular Turkish region or is available only at a certain time of year.
Keep Cekilek in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Discard it if it develops mould, an unpleasant smell or an obvious change in appearance.
Yes, you can grind Cekilek and add it to foods as a topping or ingredient. Grind only what you need, since the exposed surface of ground seeds meets more air; keep any remainder sealed.
Not as a direct substitute in every recipe. Cekilek is a distinct wild seed, and there is no basis for assuming it thickens liquid like chia; use it where a seed topping or texture is wanted instead.
No. Cekilek is a wild seed native to Anatolia, while sunflower seed comes from the sunflower. They may both be used as seeds in food, but they are not the same plant or ingredient.
Vitamins
Vitamin E
0.7mg · 5% DV
B1
0.05mg · 4% DV
B6
0.03mg · 2% DV
B5
0.08mg · 2% DV
Minerals
Copper
0.08mg · 9% DV
Phosphorus
39mg · 6% DV
Magnesium
21mg · 5% DV
Manganese
0.11mg · 5% DV
Potassium ⭐
48mg · 1% DV
Sodium
0.8mg · 0% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 48 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (10 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Cekilek is a wild seed native to Anatolia, eaten on its own or added to other foods. It has a mild, earthy, nutty flavour and a small, crisp texture; it can be enjoyed plain or lightly toasted. Rather than being a familiar everyday staple for most English-speaking readers, it is an unusual seed to try as a snack or as a topping for salads, yoghurt and soups.
Its nutritional profile is concentrated, with protein, fibre and fats; 100 g provides 14 g of fibre. A small amount can add crunch and substance to a meal, while pairing it with vegetables keeps the dish fresh and balanced.
Very high
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 1
Unprocessed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
No known major allergens
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
0.42g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.98g
POLYUNSATURATED
2.15g
Omega 6:3 ratio 6.1:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (6.1:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.