Kiwano

FRUIT

Horned melons (Kiwano)

Horned melon, also known as kiwano, is an exotic relative of cucumber and melon. Its spiky skin not only gives it a striking appearance but also explains its name. Inside this eye-catching fruit are small chambers filled with jelly-like green seeds. These are edible and offer a surprisingly fresh, tangy flavour – perfect for adding a tropical twist to your dish.

Journal Horned melon

Availability horned melon (kiwano)

Yearround

Origin

The plant originates from the Kalahari in Africa. Despite the name, the kiwano is not related to the kiwi. However, the fruit – just like the kiwi – was marketed via New Zealand in the 1980s.

ECUADOR, FRANCE, CROATIA, HOLLAND

Ecuador France Croatia Holland
  • Horned melon oogst
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Behind the scenes at our Dutch grower

Horned melon is a fruit that typically grows in distant tropical climates, but is now also being cultivated on Dutch soil. With the right care and attention, these exotic fruits thrive in local greenhouses and develop into a surprisingly flavorful delicacy.

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Froyo with a spike

With horned melon and hot honey

Horned melon

How to store

It’s best not to store horned melon in the fridge, but in another cool place. There, it will keep for several weeks.

How to eat

The fresh, slightly tart pulp can be scooped straight from the shell, but the Horned Melon also works beautifully as a tropical touch in salads or vinaigrettes, a refreshing twist in yogurt bowls or desserts, or as a flavor booster in cocktails and mocktails. It also shines in savory dishes, like a spicy salsa or a refined sauce.

More information?

Would you like to know more about purchasing horned melon? Please contact one of our employees.