Seeds

What Are Seeds?

Seeds are the small, edible kernels of plants, and they have long had a place in kitchens around the world. Today, seeds work as everyday ingredients rather than occasional extras. You can eat them straight from the pack, blend them into smoothies and breakfast bowls, sprinkle them over salads, fold them into batters and doughs, or use them in traditional recipes. Their textures range from soft and gel-like to crisp and crunchy, so they suit both sweet and savoury meals.

Types of Seeds Available at Urban Platter

Our seeds collection includes single-variety seeds, roasted and salted options, and multi-seed mixes, in pack sizes from small shaker jars to 2kg packs.

Chia Seeds

Our black chia seeds are tiny with a mild taste, so they blend easily into most recipes. They suit smoothies, puddings, breakfast bowls, and beverages, and turn soft and gel-like in liquid. Packs range from 200g to 2kg.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) have a satisfying crunch. Raw packs come in 250g, 500g, and 1kg sizes and work in breads, muffins, and cookies. Roasted and salted pumpkin seeds in 500g jars are ready to snack on, scatter over salads, or stir into breakfast bowls.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds have a mild, nutty flavour. Raw sunflower seeds suit salads, trail mixes, and baking, while roasted and salted sunflower seeds make an easy snack.

Sabja Seeds

Sabja seeds, also known as basil seeds, are commonly soaked before use. They are a familiar addition to cooling beverages, desserts, and traditional recipes. Choose from pouches and jars, from 250g to 1kg.

Halim Seeds

Halim seeds, also called garden cress or aliv seeds, are used in traditional Indian preparations such as laddoos and halwa. They are available in a convenient shaker jar and a larger pack.

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds (alsi) come in regular and roasted, salted forms. Add them to salads, smoothies, rotis, and baked goods, or enjoy the roasted version as a toasty snack.

Hemp Seeds and Hemp Hearts

Hemp hearts are hulled hemp seeds with the outer shell removed, so they are soft and tender. They suit salads, bowls, and smoothies. Roasted hemp seeds keep their shell and are crunchier, which makes them a good snack or topping.

Sesame Seeds

White sesame seeds (safed til) are a kitchen staple, available in a pack and a shaker jar. Use them in breads, sweets, stir-fries, seasoning blends, and Indian recipes.

Alfalfa Seeds

Alfalfa seeds are available in a 500g pack. Use them as directed on the packaging, including for home sprouting where the pack supports it.

Fennel Seeds and Cranberry Seeds

Whole raw fennel seeds (saunf) are a familiar ingredient in Indian cooking, tempering, and after-meal blends. Cranberry seeds come in a compact 50g jar for sprinkling over cereals, yogurt, and desserts.

Multi-Seed Mixes

Our 3-in-1, 5-in-1, 7-in-1, and 9-in-1 super seed mixes combine seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower, flax, watermelon, and sesame in one pack. Roasted and salted blends are ready to snack on, while unroasted mixes give you the flexibility to cook, bake, or roast them yourself.

Why Choose Quality Seeds?

When buying seeds, a few simple checks make a real difference:

• Freshness: Seeds should smell clean and pleasant, never stale or bitter.
• Packaging: Look for clean, well-sealed packs or jars that protect against air and moisture.
• Natural taste and aroma: Each variety should taste and smell true to its type.
• Texture: Roasted seeds should be crisp, hemp hearts tender, and the pieces evenly sized.
• Ingredient information: Clear labels show what is in the pack, including any added salt.
• Pack sizes: Choose a size that matches how quickly you will use it.
• Storage guidance: Good packaging includes clear storage instructions.
• Preparation style: Raw, roasted, salted, or unroasted options let you match the seed to your recipe.

Choosing quality seeds helps you get better flavour, texture, and value from every meal.

How to Use Seeds in Everyday Recipes

• Smoothies and beverages: Blend in chia, flax, or hemp hearts, or add soaked sabja seeds to cold drinks.
• Breakfast bowls and yogurt: Top with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp hearts, or a seed mix.
• Chia puddings: Soak chia seeds in milk or a plant-based alternative and chill until thick.
• Salads: Sprinkle roasted seeds over greens for crunch.
• Granola and energy bites: Mix seeds with oats, nuts, and dates.
• Baking: Add seeds to breads, muffins, cookies, and crackers.
• Homemade trail mixes: Combine roasted seeds with nuts and dry fruits.
• Soups and savoury dishes: Finish soups with a crunchy topping, or use sesame and fennel seeds in stir-fries and tempering.
• Traditional Indian recipes: Make laddoos, halwa, and chikki with halim and sesame seeds.
• Beverage preparation: Add soaked sabja seeds to drinks and desserts, following any guidance on the pack.

How to Choose the Right Seeds

• Raw or roasted: Raw seeds suit baking and cooking, while roasted seeds are ready for snacking.
• Salted or unsalted: Pick salted for snacking and unsalted when you want to control seasoning.
• Single varieties or blends: Choose individual seeds for specific recipes, and multi-seed blends for variety in one pack.
• For snacking: Roasted pumpkin, sunflower, or flax seeds and roasted and salted mixes are easy picks.
• For baking: Sesame, flax, sunflower, and unroasted mixes work well.
• For smoothies and breakfast bowls: Chia, hemp hearts, and flax are good choices.
• Pack size: Small packs suit personal use, and larger packs and jars suit families who cook with seeds often.

How to Store Seeds Properly

Keep seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from moisture, heat, direct sunlight, and strong odours. Storage needs can vary between products, so always follow the instructions printed on the packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seeds

What types of seeds are available at Urban Platter?

Our collection includes chia, pumpkin, sunflower, sabja, halim, flax, hemp, sesame, alfalfa, fennel, and cranberry seeds, along with 3-in-1, 5-in-1, 7-in-1, and 9-in-1 seed mixes.

What is the difference between raw and roasted seeds?

Raw seeds are untoasted and suit cooking and baking. Roasted seeds are crunchier with a toasted flavour, and our roasted options are typically salted for snacking.

How should these seeds be stored?

Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, heat, and moisture. Follow the instructions on the pack.

How can seeds be added to breakfast bowls and smoothies?

Sprinkle seeds over bowls, or blend chia, flax, or hemp hearts into smoothies.

What are multi-seed mixes?

Multi-seed mixes combine several seeds, such as pumpkin, sunflower, flax, watermelon, and sesame, in one pack. They come in roasted and salted or unroasted versions.

Are sabja seeds used after soaking?

Yes, sabja seeds are commonly soaked before being added to drinks and desserts. Check the pack for preparation guidance.

Which of these seeds are suitable for baking and salads?

Sesame, flax, sunflower, pumpkin, and unroasted mixes work well in baking. Pumpkin, sunflower, hemp hearts, sesame, and roasted blends are great on salads.