The african horned melon is an exotic tropical fruit that is green when freshly picked, but turns orange when fully ripe. This orange spikey fruit originated in South Africa, but has since been grown in New Zealand, Austrailia, California, Mississippi, and Chile.
What does the outside of the Horned Melon look like?
What does the inside of the Horned Melon look like?
What’s does it taste like?
The horned melon actually tastes more like a vegetable! The seeds are reminiscent of cucumber seeds, but much more flavorful with hints of melon, kiwi and citrus. When the fruit is very ripe, you can even taste notes of banana. The seeds are tough and chewy but have an enjoyable taste.
What’s the proper name for this fruit?
There are many different names for this fruit:
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African Horned Melon
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Kiwano Melon
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Blowfish Fruit
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Jelly Melon
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Hedged Gourd
SCIENTIFIC NAME: CUCUMIS METULIFERUS
What are the health benefits of the horned melon?
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What’s the best way to eat the kiwano melon?
The seeds and jelly are all edible. Most people suck the jelly off of the seeds because this is the most flavorful part and spit the seeds out. Others enjoy the seeds, and eat them in a similar fashion to pomegranate seeds. The kiwano jelly is popular for making delicious sauces, smoothies, fruit salads and cocktails.
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What are some recipes that use the horned melon?
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Make a Tropical Fruit Salad
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Garnish Cocktails with Kiwano Seeds
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Make a Kiwano & Mango Salsa
Where can you buy a kiwano melon?
Check your local specialty grocery stores such as Publix or Whole Foods. If they don’t have any kiwanos in stock, they can be purchased online at specialty food stores and surprisingly amazon.com!
Where can you buy a kiwano seeds?
Buying a kiwano fruit seeds are very affordable and the horned melon can grow in almost any climate. Find seeds here:
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