Kiwano
The fruit's common name is kiwano melon, and it may also be called African horned cucumber, jelly melon, hedged gourd, melano, kiwano zucchini or African horned pumpkin .
When ripe, the thick outer skin of a kiwano melon is bright orange and covered in small spiny projections or horns. The fruit itself resembles a large cucumber with many deep ridges running down its length. It has crisp but tender flesh that can be eaten like summer squash. Kiwano melons typically weigh around 2 to 3 pounds each.
Depending on the cultivar, kiwano melons are green or orange when unripe. Their flavor is similar to that of a cucumber, with a tart and tangy taste. They are popular in salads, drinks, desserts and dishes where their jelly-like flesh can be used as a garnish.
In addition to being eaten fresh, the seeds and young shoots of the kiwano plant can be boiled or steamed and eaten as a vegetable. In certain parts of Africa, the seeds are roasted, ground into a powder and turned into porridge. The pulp is also used to make alcoholic beverages.
The fruit's thick skin prevents moisture from escaping and is one reason kiwano melons can be kept at room temperature for several days without becoming overripe. Although the rind of a kiwano is typically inedible, it can be made into a natural dye that ranges in color from pink to orange-red.
Kiwano melons were originally cultivated for their seeds, which were roasted and eaten as a delicacy by the Maasai people of East Africa. The fruit is now grown commercially in New Zealand, Jamaica, and several African countries.
In addition to being eaten fresh, the seeds and young shoots of the kiwano plant can be boiled or steamed and eaten as a vegetable. In certain parts of Africa, the seeds are roasted, ground into a powder and turned into porridge. The pulp is also used to make alcoholic beverages.
Kiwano melon is an exotic, peculiar-looking fruit from the central and southern regions of Africa. When ripe, the thick outer skin of a kiwano melon is bright orange and covered in small spiny projections or horns. It's hard to believe that inside is soft, orange flesh with black seeds throughout.
The flavor of the fruit is often described as a mix of banana, cucumber, and zesty lime; kiwano melon can be eaten fresh but also added to salads or juice drinks. You can also make kiwano melon smoothies or other recipes that call for oranges, cucumbers, or bananas.
Global kiwano production
Kiwano is a fruit that is native to Africa, and it is now grown in many parts of the world. The biggest producers of kiwano are South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. In South Africa, kiwano is often called African horned cucumber or melon. It is also known as jelly melon, horned melon, or blowfish fruit.
Kiwano has a distinctive appearance, with its orange-yellow color and spiky skin. The inside of the fruit is green and filled with small black seeds. Kiwano has a sweet and tart flavor, and it is often used in salads or as a garnish. The fruit is also high in fiber and antioxidants. Kiwano production is centered in Africa. The largest producer of kiwano is Ethiopia, followed by Tanzania and Kenya. Other African countries that produce kiwano include Uganda, Mauritius, and South Africa.
The biggest producers of kiwano are South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. In South Africa, kiwano is often called African horned cucumber or melon. It is also known as jelly melon, horned melon, or blowfish fruit.