What is horned melon?
These fruits belong to the family of cucumbers and melons. Though the fruit looks weird with its spines, it is widely consumed in some regions. The horned melon is said to be one of the few sources of water in Kalahari desert, during dry spells.
How do you know when a horned melon is ripe?
An unripe fruit will be hard and greenish. Once ripe, the rind as well as the spines turn orange, and the fruit becomes slightly soft. You may also buy a greenish-orange fruit, which will ripen (at room temperature) within a few days. Avoid keeping ripe horned melons inside the refrigerator.
What does kiwano melon taste like?
The flavor of kiwano melon is mild and slightly sweet. It tastes similar to its close relative, the cucumber. When it’s very ripe, you may be able to detect a hint of banana flavor, too. The simplest way to eat a kiwano melon is to slice it open and spoon the pulp directly from the rind.
How many calories are in a horned melon?
The horned melon is mainly used in salads or as fruit snacks. A cup of horned melon pulp contains 200 g water, 17.6 g carbohydrate, 123 mg potassium, 5.3 mg vitamin C, and 143 mg vitamin A. It has only 103 calories. What is a horned melon?
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Can you eat horned melon raw?
Some of the most common ways horned melons are eaten are as a raw snack, added to sauces, soups and salads, and even used for meaty preparations. The jellylike fruit can be scooped over yogurt or granola, and added to snacky salsas. The clean, sour flavor makes horned melon a welcome addition to a variety of recipes.
Is a horned melon a cucumber?
Cucumis metuliferus, commonly called the African horned cucumber, horned melon, spiked melon, jelly melon, kiwano, or cuke-a-saurus is an annual vine in the cucumber and melon family, Cucurbitaceae....Cucumis metuliferus.Horned melonOrder:CucurbitalesFamily:CucurbitaceaeGenus:CucumisSpecies:C. metuliferus10 more rows
How do you know when a horned melon is ready to eat?
A ripe horned melon will be easy to spot by its yellowish-orange skin. When immature, horned melons are green and very bitter. There will be no brown or green left, and the skin should be Usually around five inches long, horned melon will feel heavy in your hand for their size when ripe.
How do you eat a yellow horned melon?
3:235:15How to Eat a Kiwano Melon | Horned Melon Taste Test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can juice it put it in some smoothies. Like I said full lots of nutrients. Flavor-wise.MoreYou can juice it put it in some smoothies. Like I said full lots of nutrients. Flavor-wise.
Is horned melon good for you?
Health benefits of horned melon It features a healthy dose of magnesium, iron, vitamin C and phosphorus. It's also an excellent source of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc and lutein.
Can you eat the seeds of a horned melon?
Kiwano melons have edible seeds, but feel free to spit them out if you don't like the taste. You can also add raw kiwano to fruit salad, blend it into a tasty salsa, or garnish your favorite cocktail with a few of the sweet green kernels.
What are the benefits of eating thorn melon?
Well, some of the advantages of thorn melon in the body include weight loss, boosting metabolism, protection of the skin, prevention of some chronic diseases, strengthening of the bones, enhancement of eye health, quickens healing of wounds, improves cognitive ability as well as optimizing digestion.
How do you eat a Pepino Melon?
Slightly less sweet than most melons, pepinos are typically eaten chilled. The peel, while technically edible, is rather unpalatable. So, when in the company of others, peel, slice and add to a platter of assorted melons or other fruits, cheese or cured hams.
How do you cook Kiwano horned melon?
How to Prepare Kiwano Melons:Trim off kiwano melon spikes with a veggie peeler, then slice into rounds or wedges.The peel, pulp and seeds are all edible. Try sprinkling with salt or lemon juice for a yummy snack. Or, use a spoon to scoop out the pulp and add to smoothies or salad dressings.
How do you cut a horned melon?
0:101:49How to cut Kiwano Horned Melon African Horned Cucumber - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you want to eat a kiwano hearted Molly you will need a spoon a knife. And of course a key one ohMoreIf you want to eat a kiwano hearted Molly you will need a spoon a knife. And of course a key one oh pardon Molly simple you take the knife and you cut it in half.
Where do horned melons grow?
Kiwano horned fruit is native to the hot, dry climates of central and southern Africa. In the United States, jelly melon growing is suitable in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and above.
Is African horned cucumber edible?
African horned cucumber is a traditional food plant indigenous to Southern and Central Africa. It grows naturally in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland. Today it is grown for its ornamental and edible fruits all over the world including New Zeeland where it was registered under the trademark Kiwano.
What is a horned melon?
A Guide to Kiwano Melon (Horned Melon; Jelly Melon) Have you heard of kiwano melon? This fruit, sometimes called horned melon or jelly melon, is beautiful to behold but a bit perplexing, so we’ll break down how it tastes, how to use and eat it, and links to recipes. Already widely available in parts of Australia, New Zealand, and Africa, ...
What does kiwano melon taste like?
One thing is for sure; it’s unlike most any other melon you’ve had, so don’t go into it expecting anything like a cantaloupe or honeydew!
How to cut a kiwano melon?
The easiest thing to do is to simply cut kiwano melon in half lengthwise and squeeze out the jelly-like bright green contents (or scoop it out with a spoon). The seeds, though flavorless, are pretty soft and edible. You can also use a knife to go around the edges of the interior of the melon, once it’s cut in half, ...
What to do with ripe melons?
If your melons are too ripe to be cut into chunks, you can add the more liquidy pulp, seeds and all, to blended salad dressings that feature parsley or other herbs . Or, try Melissa’s kiwano-infused vinaigrette .
What does Enzed Exotics taste like?
Other people say they can taste kiwi or even green grapes.”
Where is the African Horned Melon grown?
From Melissa’s Produce: “For over 3,000 years, this African horned melon has been fascinating the produce world. The spiky, golden-orange shell encases a soft, succulent, seed-filled emerald green interior. Once grown only in New Zealand, Melissa’s Kiwano Melons are now grown in California as well.
Where are Melissa's kiwano melons grown?
Once grown only in New Zealand, Melissa’s Kiwano Melons are now grown in California as well. Consumers are drawn to these intriguing, yet versatile tropical fruits whose look easily captures attention. The spiky, orange shells of kiwano melons encase a soft, succulent bright green flesh with edible seeds.
What is a horned melon?
7 Benefits of Kiwano (Horned Melon) — And How to Eat It. Kiwano melon is an exotic, peculiar-looking fruit from the central and southern regions of Africa. It’s formally known as Cucumis metuliferus but informally also goes by horned melon and African horned cucumber.
What is the name of the orange melon?
It’s formally known as Cucumis metuliferus but informally also goes by horned melon and African horned cucumber. When ripe, the thick outer skin of a kiwano melon is bright orange and covered in small spiny projections or horns.
What does kiwano melon taste like?
The flavor of kiwano melon is mild and slightly sweet. It tastes similar to its close relative, the cucumber. When it’s very ripe, you may be able to detect a hint of banana flavor, too.
What are the antioxidants in kiwano melon?
The main antioxidants in kiwano melon are vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, and lutein. Together, these nutrients play a role in reducing inflammation and preventing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer ( 1. Trusted Source. , 2. Trusted Source.
How much water is in a kiwano melon?
Kiwano melon is made up of about 88% water and contains carbs and electrolytes — making it useful for increasing hydration ( 1 ).
How many grams of kiwano melon are in a kiwano melon?
Kiwano melon boasts an array of vitamins and minerals, many of which play a role in its ability to positively impact health. A single kiwano melon (209 grams) provides the following nutrients ( 1. Trusted Source. ): Calories: 92. Carbs: 16 grams.
What is the purpose of kiwano melon?
Summary Kiwano melon contains minerals involved in the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood.
Describing the kiwano fruit taste
The kiwano melon is a mild tasting fruit that is slightly sweet and tart. Its closest comparison would be a cucumber, although it does have a subtle undertone of citrus and banana. The inner flesh is a pulpy gelatinous substance that feels a lot like aloe vera jelly.
How to eat a kiwano
It is essential to choose a ripe kiwano that’s full of juice. Look for fruits that have orange rind and spikes. A green-colored skin is a sign that the fruit is not ripe yet. Don’t be concerned by the spiky exterior; they aren’t overly sharp once reaching the store.
Health benefits
The kiwano is exceptionally high in water content and low in fat, carbohydrates, and calories. Compared to other fruit, it is high in protein. An impressive 16% of its calories are from protein.
Fast facts
The kiwano melon is a part of the melon and cucumber family, and its scientific name is Cucumis metuliferus.
Summing up
The kiwano melon is a unique looking fruit that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a bit of tart. If you’re looking for a flavor-packed fruit, then this isn’t the fruit for you. If anything, the fruit is a little on the bland side. A bit of sugar or salt is needed to increase its taste.
