Sharply spiked, thorny, and clad in an arresting hue of traffic cone orange, it was clear that this alien fruit was coming home with me from the moment we first met. It was just too bizarre to put back down, despite its pointed protests.
The kiwano, otherwise known as a horned melon, is truly a sight to behold. It becomes even more alluring once cracked open, revealing downright monstrous innards of large seeds suspended in a jelly-like green morass. Best described as an African cucumber, the flavor is quite similar to this familiar vegetable. Some claim to taste notes of banana and lemon as well, suggesting that it would be well suited for both sweet and savory applications. Unfortunately, the truth is considerably more bitter: The gooey mess is impossible to eat out of hand, watery at best but entirely bland at worst, and overall, quite disappointing.
Talk about misjudging a book by its cover!
That said, it has its charm as an exotic garnish, based entirely on its unnerving, almost unnaturally neon hue. Shock and amaze your friends this Halloween by presenting them with a ghastly glass of rice pudding, topped by this exotic produce pick.
You can’t beat it for shock value, but truth be told… You wouldn’t be losing anything in the flavor department if you left out the kiwano. No recipe needed here, as any rice pudding formula will do the trick. However, consider this your warning: While the kiwano does have horns, it certainly won’t bite back.
This is my first experience of a kiwano Melon. Thank you for sharing Hannah… Hope you are Well xxx
Totally looks like it would be this crazy exotic tasting fruit. I guess what it lacks in flavour it makes up for in looks :) Thanks for sharing this.
I had the same experience. Paid a lot, wished I didn’t ;). Same goes for pitaya (Dragon fruit) in my book.
Aw, but I like pitaya! I think it really just depends on which variety you pick up. Most are rather watery and bland, I’ll give you that, but those that are yellow on the outside tend to be much sweeter. Of course, they’re very hard to find… But worth picking up if you do!
Guess who has a dragon fruit plant growing in her glasshouse? ;) Seriously though, they are one of those things that look fantastic but don’t deliver as much as their appearance would promise. Now loquats, persimmons and mangoes…they deliver! :)
I don’t know, Hannah, based on your description, I think I’d be inclined to let the kiwano decorate the table in all its orange glory, rather than face the inside!
Wow never seen that one before. Too bad it didn’t taste good!
Very interesting, I have never tried it but bummed the flavor didn’t match the looks!
I’ve seen those around but haven’t actually tried one. Bummer on the taste, now I’m kinda glad I never got around to trying it. :-/
Have never seen such before, is it tasty?
ive never seen this before. do you know where its from originally ?
It comes from Africa, and more specifically, seems to originate from the Kalahari Desert. Definitely a bit more exotic as fresh produce goes around here!