No, you may not eat the skin. Choose another answer! Because they’re small, you need to eat quite a few to get their benefits. This unique nutrient distribution makes kiwano melon suitable for a variety of diet plans. All rights reserved. A small study found that kiwano melon extract significantly reduced blood sugar in diabetic rats but not in animals with normal blood sugar levels (9). This article has been viewed 1,217,637 times. While hailing from Africa, New Zealand is also a major producer and exporter of the kiwano melon. If you’re bold enough to eat the rind, make sure you cut off the spikes first. Scoop out the inside and pass the pulp through cheesecloth or a fine strainer to separate the seeds from the juice. Those who received magnesium reported significant improvements in their symptoms (12). Some people add a little salt or sugar to enhance its flavor. From improving your cognitive function to [2] being used as a recovery aid for heat stroke, kiwano melon can slow down the ageing process … Before it’s ripe, the fruit is dark green, but as it ripens, it becomes a creamy shade of orange. This can improve the absorption of the iron present within the fruit, making it more effective for supporting red blood cell production and oxygen transport (1). To figure out if one is ripe, you can first assess its surface, looking for a brown color and plump shape. You can even use the rind as a serving dish. Moreover, the edible seeds found within the fruit’s pulp provide vitamin E — another nutrient with antioxidant properties (5). Not exactly! It also makes for a delicious addition to sauces and dressings. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. If you don't like the seeds, try pinching the sac of fruit gently with your front teeth. The flesh will just kind of disintegrate on a grill, and the seeds may burn. It tastes like cucumber, melon, and lime. If you want to learn how to tell if a kiwano is ripe for eating, keep reading the article! All of the other answers are real phases the kiwano goes through, but not this one. Kiwano, also known as the horned African cucumber or jelly melon, is a strange oval fruit covered with horns that is a member of the cucumber family. It offers a pleasant taste combined with a range of health ben… Consider including kiwano melon alongside other nutrient-dense foods to get the most benefit from your diet. Or, use a spoon to scoop out the pulp and add to smoothies or salad dressings. Ripe kiwano has orange skin, and its flesh is lime green in color. It tastes similar to its close relative, the cucumber. one green onion, or a 1/8 of a white onion. Plant the seeds about an inch into the soil during the spring. To eat a kiwano, rinse the melon off and slice it in half short-ways, across the equator. When ripe, the outer skin of the melon should be orange-yellow in color and firm to the touch. The jelly-like flesh is light green and contains lots of small seeds. Though oxidative reactions are a normal part of human metabolism, too much oxidative strain can result in inflammation and impaired cellular function over time. It may be eaten fresh or cooked. The seeds and flesh of a kiwano are both edible, but the flesh is tastier. The health benefits of kiwano melon are extraordinary. Learn about the relationship between bitter melon and diabetes. Don't worry; kiwano seeds are totally edible. Kiwano melon boasts an array of vitamins and minerals, many of which play a role in its ability to positively impact health. Thus, an adequate supply of dietary iron is necessary for your body to produce enough healthy red blood cells for proper oxygenation (6). When it’s very ripe, you may be able to detect a hint of banana flavor, too. Cut open your kiwano melon either vertically or horizontally. If you're eating a ripe kiwano, the flesh will have a taste that's somewhere between that of a cucumber and a banana. Now that you have one of these interesting fruits, where do you start? % of people told us that this article helped them. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,217,637 times. About 16% of its calories come from protein — which is relatively high compared to other fruits. When allowed to ripen, the fruit tastes like a mix of cucumbers, kiwis, and bananas. Red blood cells store an iron-containing substance called hemoglobin, which is used to transport oxygen through your body. Coincidentally, kiwano melon supplies a significant amount of vitamin C as well. Or it can be used as a salad dressing, by whisking the flesh with a … The horned melon, also known as the kiwano melon and African horned melon, is an oval-shaped fruit with horns on its peel. Guess again! The ripe kiwano fruit has orange skin and lime green, jelly like flesh with Yes! Instead, you should add raw kiwano seeds at a different point. Keep the soil consistently moist down to about 1 inch to germinate the melon. Nope! However, many of the nutrients it contains are well-known for supporting your body’s systems in other ways: While kiwano melon contains many important nutrients, no single food holds the key to optimal health. They will keep, although they are best stored in a cool place (between 55-65 degrees F). Cucumis metuliferus, commonly called the African horned cucumber, horned melon, spiked melon, jelly melon, kiwano, or cuke-a-saurus is an annual vine in the cucumber and melon family, Cucurbitaceae. Upon first glance, a kiwano melon may appear far from edible. Kiwano skin is not edible, so don't just take a big bite out of the fruit. To create this article, 52 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Watermelon is a delicious low-calorie treat with numerous benefits. Its scientific name is Cucumis metuliferus. A standard size raw kiwano contains 96 calories. The kiwano melon is a fruit that originated in southern and central Africa. They are laden with juice, which is ideal for drinking. Germination occurs within It's like a pomegranate; the seeds are edible. A fully ripe kiwano will be orange all over, from its body to the tips of its spikes. When ripe, the Kiwano Melon has yellow-orange skin and lime green, jelly-like flesh. After that you can find instructions online for caring for the plants. Here’s some safety tips for your summer picnic. Look for a golden orange color with no bruises or cuts in the rind. Correct! You can squeeze out all the seed sacs at once into a bowl, and then work on them from there without having to deal with the horned shell. You can also add raw kiwano to fruit salad, blend it into a tasty salsa, or garnish your favorite cocktail with a few of the sweet green kernels. There’s a better option out there! As you slice into a kiwano fruit, you’ll notice liquid dripping out. This A kiwi is plump fruit that has green flesh and a sweet taste. Gently squeeze one half until the slime-covered seeds ooze out. Is it not ripe? The more ripe it gets, it’ll take on a flavour close to a banana. It originates from southern and vital parts of Africa, however it can be found in temperate areas around the sector nowadays. If a kiwano is fully green, it definitely isn't ripe yet. Once ripe, kiwano melons are best consumed within a few days. Horned melon's increasing popularity in the health arena is due to the abundance of health benefits it possess. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Don’t forget to try out a horned melon chicken recipe. Horned Melon or Cucumis Metuliferus is orange colored fruit naturally found in Africa which is now cultivated in Newzealand, Australia, Kenya, Newzealad, France and Israel. How many calories are in a standard size kiwano? Kiwano melon is not only nutritious but also offers several potent antioxidants — many of which are nutrients themselves. This tasty, although odd-looking, melon is packed with nutrients. Together, these nutrients play a role in reducing inflammation and preventing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer (1, 2, 3, 4). Its fruit has horn like spines, which is where it gets the name “horned melon.” Take a look below for 23 more interesting and fascinating facts about kiwano. Hand drawn botanical watercolor painting illustration isolated on white background. It has a bright orange and yellow skin with a pale yellow-green pulp inside. A cup (8.2 oz) contains 104 calories. Kiwano melon is an exotic, peculiar-looking fruit from the central and southern regions of Africa. Read on for another quiz question. How to Tell if a Kiwi Is Ripe. Kiwano melon is an exotic, peculiar-looking fruit from the central and southern regions of Africa. https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Horn_Melon_656.php, https://www.myfoodchannel.com/tag/how-to-pick-kiwano/, http://www.parade.com/64398/linzlowe/what-the-heck-is-a-kiwano-melon-and-how-do-you-eat-it/, http://www.melissas.com/Products/Products/kiwano-horned-melon.aspx, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. One study evaluated the use of magnesium for treating mild depression and anxiety disorders in 126 people. It's not fully there yet, though, so you should wait for more color change. If you want to add kiwano flavor to grilled meat, what's the best time to add the kiwano seeds? How to Select and Store: Kiwano melons should have a bright orange rind. Kiwano is best eaten raw. Try again! However, eating it is as simple as slicing it open and spooning out the pulp. The pulp is lime-green, jelly-like and filled with tender, white, edible seeds, similar to those found in cucumbers. Or it can be used as a When ripe, the outer skin of the melon should be orange-yellow in color and firm to the touch. Yes! It's up to you. The inner flesh consists of a gelatinous, lime-green or yellow substance that houses a multitude of edible seeds. and in terms of botany, it is known as “Cucumis metuliferus”. Outside of the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, the kiwano is more commonly known as an African horned melon or cucumber. Similarly, how long does it take to grow horned melon? However, pairing non-heme iron with vitamin C enhances its absorption rate (7). You can minimize this potential damage by providing your body with an adequate supply of antioxidant-rich foods like kiwano melon. Snacking on a fruit like kiwano melon on a hot summer day or after vigorous exercise can help keep you fueled and well-hydrated throughout the day. This form isn’t absorbed as efficiently as iron from animal sources. Here are 10 surprising benefits of…, The watermelon diet can help you lose weight, reduce inflammation, and cleanse your body of toxins — at least according to the Internet chatter…. Here are the top 9 ways that watermelon can improve your health. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. You said the juice of the kiwano was sweet but it’s not. How to Prepare Kiwano Melons: Trim off kiwano melon spikes with a veggie peeler, then slice into rounds or wedges. Here are 7 benefits of kiwano melon and tips on how to eat it. From improving your cognitive function to being used as a recovery aid for heat stroke, kiwano melon can slow down Kiwano melon is an exotic fruit, originating from Africa, that offers several health benefits due to its rich nutrient profile. It is edible at any stage as it ripens. The kiwano melon's flavor compares to that of a cucumber, with edible seeds and a jelly-like center. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Eat-a-Kiwano-%28Horned-Melon%29-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-a-Kiwano-%28Horned-Melon%29-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Eat-a-Kiwano-%28Horned-Melon%29-Step-1.jpg\/aid202794-v4-728px-Eat-a-Kiwano-%28Horned-Melon%29-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"