| ≥1 piece |
Cucumis metuliferus, horned melon or kiwano, also African horned cucumber or melon, jelly melon, hedged gourd, melano, is an annual vine in the cucumber and melon family, Cucurbitaceae. Its fruit has horn-like spines, hence the name "horned melon
Its fruit has horn-like spines, hence the name "horned melon". Ripe fruit has orangeskin and lime green, jelly-like flesh with a refreshingly fruity taste, and texture similar to a passionfruit or pomegranate. C. metuliferus is native to Sub-Saharan Africa.
A fully ripened kiwano has an orange rind with prominent spikes. To eat plain, cut the fruit in half, as shown above. Gently squeeze one half until the slime-covered seeds ooze out. The seeds aren't harmful to eat, but many people prefer to hold the seeds between their teeth and suck off the green flesh