Kiwano

What Is Kiwano?

Kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus) is an African fruit related to cucumber and melon; it is also known as “horned melon” or “African cucumber.” Once ripe its skin turns bright orange and its surface is covered with soft spines.

Its interior is emerald green, juicy, and jelly-like with many seeds. Its taste is a refreshing, mild blend reminiscent of cucumber, melon, and banana; it has no pronounced sweetness.

Nutritional Values of Kiwano

With its very high water content, kiwano provides roughly 44 kcal of energy per 100 g; it is a low-calorie, refreshing fruit containing vitamin C and a small amount of fat. Values are approximated from a similar profile.

What Are the Benefits of Kiwano?

With its high water and vitamin C content, kiwano can be part of a balanced diet as a refreshing, low-calorie fruit.

This information is general; kiwano is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Kiwano?

Good kiwano has a bright orange skin, sturdy spines, and an unblemished surface. If it's still green it hasn't ripened yet; if it's darkened and soft it's past its best.

• The skin should be bright orange
• The spines should be sturdy and the surface unblemished
• Overly softened specimens should not be chosen

How to Store Kiwano?

Thanks to its thick skin, kiwano can last for weeks at room temperature; it doesn't need to be refrigerated. Once cut, it should be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a short time.

Using Kiwano in the Kitchen

Kiwano is used most often halved and eaten with a spoon straight from its jelly-like interior; also in salads, smoothies, cocktail garnishes, and drinks. Its bright orange skin can also be split in half and used as a serving bowl.

How Is Kiwano Eaten?

The fruit is cut in half lengthwise, and the green jelly-like flesh inside is scooped out with a spoon; it is eaten together with its seeds or strained and added to drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does kiwano taste like?

It has a refreshing, mild, only slightly sweet taste somewhere between cucumber, melon, and banana; it has no very pronounced aroma.

Is kiwano's skin eaten?

Its skin is generally not eaten; it is spiny and tough. The part eaten is the green jelly-like flesh inside.

Why does kiwano last so long?

Its thick, sturdy skin protects the flesh inside, so the fruit can remain unspoiled for weeks at room temperature.