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Kiwano Facts

Kiwano Facts
Kiwano, also known as horned melon or African horned cucumber, is herbaceous vine that belongs to the melon family. It originates from southern and central parts of Africa, but it can be found in temperate areas around the world today. Kiwano grows in the fields and scrublands. It quickly occupies new areas and prevents growth of native plant species (it is classifies as weed in some parts of the world). People cultivate kiwano as a source of food and in ornamental purposes. Majority of globally consumed kiwano originate from California and New Zealand.
Interesting Kiwano Facts:
Kiwano is vine which develops long, fine stem that can reach 5 to 10 feet in length. It develops tendrils to support the grow in height by clinging to the nearby objects.
Kiwano develops soft, heart-shaped leaves covered with hairs. Leaves are green colored.
Kiwano is monoecious plant which means that it produces individual male and female flowers on the same stem. Male flowers develop before female flowers to prevent self-pollination. Flowers are yellow colored and they attract bees and bumblebees, which are responsible for the pollination.
Kiwano produces oval-shaped, pear-sized fruit covered with spikes. Skin on the surface is yellow orange in color. Flesh is lime green, jelly-like and filled with numerous seed. Fully ripe fruit explodes to release seed.
Kiwano produces up to 100 fruit per season.
Juicy kiwano represents important source of water in the Kalahari desert during the dry season. Fruit can be consumed few months after the harvest (it has very long shelf life).
Kiwano is rich source of vitamins A and C and minerals such as iron and calcium.
Kiwano can be consumed both unripe and fully ripe. Unripe fruit tastes like blend of banana, lime, cucumber and melon, while taste of ripe fruit resembles a cucumber.
Even though spikes on the surface of kiwano repulse most herbivores, skin of this fruit is also edible (it contains lots of vitamin C and dietary fibers). Majority of people eat only flesh and seed. Flesh can be easily scooped with spoon when kiwano is sliced in half. Kiwano can be consumed fresh (it is excellent in combination with melon, banana, coconut and vanilla) or it can be used for the preparation of ice-creams, syrups and sorbets.
Kiwano juice is used for the preparation of cocktails, smoothies, sauces and dressings.
Hollowed shell of kiwano can be used as ornamental miniature bowl (spikes provide stability).
Kiwano is used in decorative purposes in various fruit arrangements.
Kiwano is also available in the smooth form (fruit without spikes).
Kiwano is known as "blowfish fruit" in the USA because it looks like a puffer fish (type of fish with "inflatable" body covered with sharp spines).
Kiwano is annual plant, which means that it completes its life cycle in one year.


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