Horned melon (Kiwano)

Fun Facts

1. The horned melon is a strange-looking fruit that is native to Southern Africa, and has only recently (in the past century) been introduced to other parts of the world, namely Australia and New Zealand, which is where it picked up the name kiwano, due to its similar consistency and appearance to kiwis. However, this fruit is not biologically linked to kiwis, and is actually closer in nutritive and evolutionary terms to cucumbers and zucchinis.
2. The name “horned melon” comes from the fruit’s unusual appearance, as the outer layer of orange or gold skin is covered in small spikes. The inside of the fruit does have the gelatinous appearance of a kiwi, but the inner layer of fruit pulp is the primary culinary ingredient. The leaves and roots are also used for various applications, but the fruit is the most highly prized.
3. The seeds also contain high concentrations of beneficial nutrients and organic compounds that make the fruit so healthy. As a cultural item, kiwano is considered vital to solving certain food shortage issues in sub-Saharan Africa, as it can retain significant amounts of water through the dry season and can also grow in harsh conditions, while simultaneously providing a wide range of essential nutrients to those who may have limited access to food.