WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW : AFRICAN HORNED CUCUMBER

Cucumis metuliferus, horned melon or kiwano, also African horned cucumber or melon, jelly melon, hedged gourd, melano, is an annual vine in the cucumber and melon family, Cucurbitaceae. Its fruit has horn-like spines, hence the name "horned melon".

Kiwano is a traditional food plant in Africa. Along with the Gemsbok cucumber (Acanthosicyos naudinianus) and Tsamma (Citron melon) it is one of the few sources of water during the dry season in the Kalahari Desert. In northern Zimbabwe it is called gaka or gakachika, and is primarily used as a snack or salad, and rarely for decoration. It can be eaten at any stage of ripening, but when overripened, will burst forcefully to release seeds.

The fruit's taste has been compared to a combination of banana and passionfruit or a combination of banana, cucumber and lime. A small amount of salt or sugar can increase the flavor. Some also eat the peel, which is very rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber. The fruit can be used in cooking, but when eaten raw, most suck out the pulp.

The fruit can be used in a smoothie, salad, salsa or cocktail.
Health benefits include high in Vitamin A, Beta Carotene and Magnesium. It also has a high water content, is good for weight loss and is packed with other vital minerals.

'Health specialists and nutritionists often call attention to the importance of including adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals in our daily diet. Zinc, calcium and magnesium are three of the most important minerals essential for good health and just happen to be found in kiwano horned melons.

Magnesium aids in the absorption of calcium by the body while zinc actively supports the body’s immune system.

What do you call it in your mother-tongue?