The chemical composition of Cucurbit species of melon seeds; Citrulus vulgaries, Cucumeropsis manni, and Leganaria siceraria were examined. Proximate and mineral analyses were carried out on the shelled Cucurbit species. Protein, fat content, ash content, moisture content of the flour ranged from 33.09 - 39.82%, 44.00 -
55.00%, 3.15 - 3.75%, 1.41-1.55%, respectively. There were significant difference (p < 0.05) in the values obtained in protein, fat content, ash content and moisture content. Acid value for oil gotten from melon seeds ranged from 3.23 - 4.26 mgKOH/g, peroxide value and iodine value for the melon seed oils ranged from 11.69 - 13.20
Meq/kg and 114.10 - 125.13 respectively. Also, saponification value and specific gravity for the melon seed oils ranged from 190.04 - 210.00 and 0.99 - 1.10 respectively. The results showed that oil sample from L. siceraria is more nutritious than oil from the other two samples (C. vulgaries, C. manni ) due to its high protein content and ash content. The melon seed oils have high degree of rancidity with the L. siceraria had the most value for refined vegetable oil. All the melon seeds had lower moisture content values with C. manni having the lowest which is an indication that C. manni is the sample with better shelf life compared to the other two samples.