White Seeds (Bezr Abyad)

Bezr abyad, or white seeds, are the pale, flat seeds of the pumpkin and squash family that are a familiar part of snacking in Lebanon. They are usually cracked open between the teeth to reach the kernel inside, and they often appear in a bowl of mixed nuts and seeds served to guests, at family evenings, or while watching a match. Some people also use the shelled kernels as a topping for salads or baked goods. At Dekenet Al Nes in Baaqline, in the Chouf, bezr abyad is sold by the kilo from bulk. As a package-free grocery store, Dekenet Al Nes invites customers to bring their own jars or bags and fill only the amount they need, helping to cut down on plastic waste and single-use packaging.