Kiwano - horned melon
Botanical Name: Cucumis metuliferus
Grown on our farm in the western part of Uganda, African Horned Cucumber or Jelly Melon, is an exotic rare fruit.
Unlike regular melons, it belongs to the family of cucumbers. Its unique look with horn like spikes and a yellow orange skin is a conversation starter.
Once opened the fruit has a lime green jelly-like pulp that is made of 80% water.
Kiwano - thorn melon is a refreshing fruit that tastes of banana, cucumber and lemon and is packed with vitamins and nutrients.
Surprisingly, the peel is edible–crisp and delicious too!
Health Benefits
In addition to being delicious, kiwano (horned melon) seeds provide several health benefits. They have a significant number of antioxidants that guard against diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and many other disorders. Minerals such as magnesium, manganese, copper, and selenium are abundant in these seeds. Protein and fat are present but in a modest amount.
How to eat Horned Melon
Most people enjoy scooping the pulp right out of the grind with a spoon.
The fruit can also be served over salads, smoothies or used to top yogurt, granola, or an ice cream sundae.
Kiwano can be eaten in many ways
The Kiwano melon goes from a dark green to orange to yellow when ripening. The fruit can be eaten at any phase depending on the taste preferences of the consumer.
-
In smoothies and juices
-
Over ice cream or yogurt
-
Mix through fruit salad
-
In fresh salsa, raita and guacamole
-
Create cocktails and mocktails
-
As a dip for roasted meats
-
As a healthy taco topping
-
Add to salads
-
In an exotic breakfast bowl
-
Make infused water or as a flavour for iced tea
Packaging and storage
Storage:
Kiwano is an ambient fruit.
With a shelf life of 6 months, the fruit does not need to be stored in a fridge at all and can be kept at room temperature on the kitchen top for weeks and months without spoiling.