General Information
This curious looking melon houses a light green, translucent, jelly-like meat that has a cucumber/lime flavor. It can be served halved or the meat can be combined with other fruits for use in desserts or drinks. Kiwano, also known as the Horn melon, produce spiky points throughout its bright yellow and orange, mottled skin. The interior contains a rich, jelly-like, lime green flesh studded with white seeds reminiscent of cucumber seeds. The melon has a sweet and tart, banana-lime taste. A flavor that is enhanced when chilled. The brighter the orange skin, the sweeter the flesh of the fruit. This melon is the size of a large pear and generally weighs less than one pound. Both the seeds and the flesh are edible.
History
Having origins in Kalahari, Africa, where it grows wild, this melon is primarily cultivated in New Zealand, where it was introduced in the 1930s. Though it is cultivated in New Zealand it is also considered an invasive noxious weed, which often happens when non-native plants are introduced to new landscapes. This melon is also grown for ornamental purposes as it has actually been the winner of aesthetic prizes gaining recognition for its unusual appearance.
