Can You Eat Kiwano Skin? Exploring Thorn Melon’s Edible Parts

You’ve probably seen some pretty strange-looking fruits at the grocery store or farmer’s market. But few are as eye-catching and bizarre as the kiwano melon, also called the thorn melon or horned melon. This unique fruit has a bright green to yellow-orange rind covered in thick spiky horns that give it a wildly exotic appearance.

Don’t let those intimidating spikes fool you though! Beneath that formidable exterior lies a bright green, jelly-like flesh filled with edible seeds and bursting with a deliciously refreshing tropical flavor. While it may look unappetizing on the outside, the kiwano melon is packed with nutrients and makes for a delightfully fun eating experience.

Table of Contents

1 What is a Kiwano Melon?
2 Conclusion
3 References:

What is a Kiwano Melon?

The kiwano melon (Cucumis metuliferus) is an exotic fruit that originates from the Kalahari Desert regions of Africa. It’s part of the cucumber and melon family, which is evident in its refreshing flavor that’s often described as a blend of banana, cucumber, lime and zesty tropical notes.

While it may go by other names like thorn melon, blended melon or African horned cucumber, the spiky rind covered in thick horns or spikes is what gives this bizarre fruit its most common name – the kiwano melon.

Those sharp protruding spikes serve an important purpose when the fruit is growing – to protect the delicate flesh inside from insects, animals and the harsh sun.

As the kiwano ripens, the interior transforms into a jelly-like emerald green flesh filled with a cluster of edible seeds. While the spiked skin may look daunting, the inside reveals a vibrant, delicious and highly nutritious fruit.

Can You Eat Kiwano Melon Skin?

One of the first questions people have when encountering this crazy-looking spiky fruit is “Can I actually eat those horns?!” The answer is yes, you can eat the entire kiwano melon – spiky rind and all!

While the rind or skin may seem inedible and too tough, as the kiwano ripens, the spikes and outer skin become soft enough to eat. In fact, consuming the entire fruit including the rind helps you take advantage of all the great nutrients it provides.

To prepare the kiwano or thorn melon skin for eating, start by giving it a good rinse under cool water to remove any dirt or pesticide residues. Then use a sharp paring knife or vegetable peeler to carefully remove the very tips of the spikes, as these can still be quite sharp and rigid even when ripe.

From there, you can slice, peel or cut off sections of the rind to eat raw. The skins have a slightly tart, cucumber-like flavor that makes a great addition to salsas or pickled dishes. Some people even candy the skins for a unique sweet treat.

Potential Health Concerns of Eating Horned Melon Skin

As for any potential health concerns, the kiwano skin is non-toxic and safe to consume when ripe. However, there are a couple potential risks to be aware of:

Higher concentration of oxalates

Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds that can potentially bind to calcium and cause kidney stones in excessive amounts. However, you’d have to eat an extremely large quantity of kiwano skins for the oxalate levels to become problematic.

Digestive issues

The skin contains a higher amount of fiber compared to the flesh. While fiber is generally good for you, too much at once can potentially lead to digestive discomfort like gas, bloating or loose stools for some people. If you aren’t used to eating lots of fiber-rich foods, introduce kiwano skins gradually into your diet to allow your body to adjust.

Allergic Reactions

There is a small risk of an allergic reaction when eating kiwano melon, including the skin. Those with latex allergies may need to be especially cautious, as kiwano is related to other latex-containing fruits and vegetables. Start with just a small portion at first to check for any potential allergic symptoms like rash, itching or difficulty breathing before consuming more.

Overall, the kiwano melon skin is safe to eat in normal food amounts, as long as you take proper precautions like removing the prickly tips and introducing it slowly, especially if you aren’t used to eating lots of fiber or trying new foods. Be mindful of any digestive issues or allergic reactions, but otherwise feel free to enjoy the entire horned melon, spines and all! Just remove those very tips when eating the rind.

Can You Eat Kiwano Seeds?

Now let’s talk about what’s inside the kiwano – specifically, those little green Seeds nestled in the gelatinous flesh. The good news is that yes, kiwano seeds are 100% edible and safe to consume.

The seeds have a pleasantly crunchy texture with a mild, nutty flavor. Think of them like mini cucumber seeds that you can snack on right along with the rest of the fruit’s flesh. There’s no need to de-seed your kiwano first.

In addition to adding a fun textural contrast, those little seeds actually provide a nutritional boost. Kiwano seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium.

To prepare the seeds for eating, simply scoop out the flesh and seeds together into a bowl. You can eat them raw, blend them into smoothies or baked goods, or even try roasting them for a crunchy snack similar to roasted pumpkin seeds.

Some people like to separate the seeds from the flesh by rinsing the scooped-out fruit under water, which allows the heavier seeds to sink to the bottom for easy removal. Then you can eat the refreshing flesh and seeds together or sprinkle the seeds as a tasty topping on salads, yogurt, oatmeal and more.

How to Eat Kiwano Melon Flesh

Now that we’ve covered the edible skin and seeds, let’s get into how to properly cut, prepare, and eat kiwano’s flesh!

The easiest way to access that delicious interior is to slice the thony melon in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. You can then use a spoon to scoop out all the emerald green gel and seeds into a bowl. Some people like to score or slice the flesh into chunks while still inside the rind for easy eating right out of the “bowl.”

For maximum flavor, look for a ripe kiwano that gives slightly when pressed and has an oblong, lopsided shape (from the heavier flesh weighing it down on one side). An unripe kiwano will be pale green, very firm and lacking that sweet-tart aroma.

When it comes to eating thorn melon or kiwano, you have lots of delicious options:

Enjoy it Raw: The simple way is to just eat the scooped-out flesh (and seeds!) right out of the rind using a spoon for a refreshing, hydrating snack packed with vitamins, minerals and those fun gelatinous bursts.
Add to Fruit Salads: Mix chunks of kiwano flesh into yogurt parfaits, salads and fruit medleys for a dazzling tropical twist.
Make Smoothies: Give your smoothies a nutritious boost by blending in fresh or frozen kiwano flesh. It pairs beautifully with other tropical fruits like mango, pineapple and banana.
Frozen Treat: Speaking of frozen, you can freeze chunks of kiwano flesh on skewers or trays to enjoy as a cooling, low-calorie snack on hot days.
Top Desserts: The sweet-tart flavors of horned melon make a lovely topping for things like pavlovas, cakes, pies and tarts.
Beverages: Muddle the jelly flesh into lemonades, cocktails and sangrias for a fun flavor addition.
Soups & Salsas: For a refreshing twist, blend kiwano into chilled soups and salsas to accompany fish, chicken or vegetable dishes.

Feel free to get creative and enjoy this unique fruit both raw and cooked.

Kiwano (Horned Melon) Nutritional Powerhouse

Speaking of nutrition, the entire horned melon – flesh, seeds and rind – is a true nutritional powerhouse. Let’s take a closer look at what this amazing fruit has to offer:

The Flesh:

High in vitamin C to support immunity and skin health
Good source of vitamin A, vitamin K and potassium
Provides magnesium, iron, folate and B vitamins
High water content to promote hydration
Contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health

The Seeds:

Supply protein, healthy fats and fiber
Concentrated sources of minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium
Contains some vitamin E and B vitamins

The Rind/Skin:

Added fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants
Contains higher levels of oxalates, so moderate consumption is best

Altogether, the different edible parts of the horned melon provide an impressive array of nutrients to support overall health and well-being. Eating the whole fruit really allows you to get the maximum nutritional bang for your buck.

Some key benefits of adding thorn melon to your diet include improved digestion from the fiber, improved sexual health, better hydration, stronger immunity, skin health, potential anti-inflammatory effects, and even blood sugar regulation thanks to the low glycemic index. The kiwano is truly a nutrient-packed superfood!

How to Pick and Store Kiwano

To get the most flavor, nutrition and enjoyment out of your thorn melons, proper selection and storage is key.

When shopping, look for horned melons with a bright green to yellow-orange exterior and firm spikes. Avoid any fruits with wrinkles, soft brown spots or large areas without spikes, as those indicate under or over-ripeness.

A ripe thorn melon should also have an oblong, oval shape that leans to one side due to the heavier jelly-like flesh weighing it down. A ripe fruit will also have a light, sweet grassy aroma. Give it a gentle squeeze – it should give just slightly when ripe.

As for storage, keep unripe horned melons at room temperature to allow them to finish ripening over a few days. However, ripe melons should be stored in the refrigerator to maximize freshness. They’ll keep for up to 2-3 weeks when chilled.

Be sure to use ripe melons within a week for the best flavor, texture and nutrition before they begin to ferment and spoil. Signs that it’s past its prime include an off-putting sour or rotten smell, very soft flesh and excessive wrinkling or sagging of the rind.

Where to Find Kiwano or Thorn Melons

Part of the fun and delight of kiwano melon is tracking down these exotic treats! Since they aren’t a common grocery store item in many areas, you’ll likely need to put in a bit more effort to find them.

The good news is that horned melons are available year-round as they grow in tropical regions across many continents.

Your best bet for finding fresh thorn melons is at local farmer’s markets, international grocery stores, specialty fruit markets and some larger chains with a global produce selection. They’re often sold individually instead of by the pound.

You can also order kiwano melons online from many specialty grocers and fruit importers who will ship them directly to your door. These make a fun surprise gift for adventurous foodies in your life!

Give your local farms and co-ops a call too – as these unique melons rise in popularity, more growers are starting to produce them on smaller scales.

Conclusion

While the kiwano’s appearance may be bizarre and intimidating at first, learning how to properly pick, slice and consume each nutritious part is well worth the effort. Not only does this allow you to take advantage of the full array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants within, but the kiwano also offers an unbelievably fun and flavorful eating experience.