What kind of plant is the Kiwano?

Kiwano, also known as horned melon, is a sweet tropical fruit. It is an annual vine in the cucumber and melon family. It is also called "horned melon" since its fruit has horn-like spines. Ripe fruit has orange skin and lime green, jelly-like flesh. Kiwano is native to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Kiwano connoisseurs describe the flavor of the slimy green interior as a cross between cucumber, zucchini, and kiwifruit (though as it ripens, it tastes more like a banana).

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.

Kiwano melon is mainly comprised of water and relatively low in calories, carbs, and fat. About 16% of its calories come from protein — which is relatively high compared to other fruits.

This unique nutrient distribution makes kiwano melon suitable for a variety of diet plans.