Thorn Melon 101: All Your Horned Melon Questions Answered

What is the origin of kiwano or thorn melon?

The kiwano melon, also known as the thorn melon or horned melon, is an exotic fruit originating in the Kalahari Desert regions of southern Africa. It is part of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers and melons. The kiwano’s scientific name is Cucumis metuliferus.

This unique fruit gets its common name, “horned melon,” from its bright orange-yellow rind covered in thick, protruding horns or spikes. These sharp spines serve an important purpose when the fruit is growing – protecting the delicate jelly-like flesh inside from insects, animals, and the harsh desert sun.

What other names does the thorn melon go by?

In addition to kiwano and horned melon, this bizarre spiky fruit has several other common names, including:

• African horned cucumber
• Blended melon
• Jelly melon
• English tomato

Despite its many aliases, the terms “kiwano,” “horned melon,” and “thorn melon” tend to be the most widely used and recognized names for this exotic African treat.

Eating Kiwano

Can you eat a horned melon or kiwano? What parts are edible?

Yes, the entire kiwano melon is edible from its spiky rind down to the jelly-like flesh and edible seeds inside! As the kiwano ripens, its outer skin and protruding horns become soft and tender enough to consume.

To eat the rind, start by giving the thorny exterior a good rinse and using a vegetable peeler or knife to carefully remove the very tips of the spikes, as these can remain quite sharp. The rest of the greenish-yellow rind can then be sliced, peeled, or cut off in sections to eat raw or cooked. It has a slightly tart, cucumber-like flavor.

The vibrant green, semi-gelatinous flesh inside contains a cluster of edible seeds. Simply slice the kiwano in half lengthwise and scoop out all the fresh flesh and seeds to enjoy raw or use in various dishes.

So when eating a kiwano melon, you can consume the rind, the flesh, and the seeds inside for a fun, unique eating experience packed with nutrients!

Can you eat kiwano seeds? How do you eat them?

Absolutely, the edible seeds nestled inside the kiwano melon’s gelatinous flesh are safe to consume. They have a delightfully crunchy texture with a pleasant, nutty flavor similar to cucumber seeds.

The easiest way to access the seeds is to slice the kiwano in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh along with the seeds into a bowl using a spoon. You can then eat the refreshing flesh and crunchy seeds together right out of the rind for a hydrating, nutrient-dense snack.

Some prefer to first separate the seeds from the flesh by rinsing the flesh under water, which allows the heavier seeds to sink to the bottom for easy removal. The seeds can then be enjoyed raw as a crunchy topping on salads, yogurt, oatmeal and more. You can also blend them into smoothies or baked goods or try roasting them for a crunchy treat akin to roasted pumpkin seeds.

However you choose to eat them, those little green kiwano seeds add a fun pop of texture along with protein, healthy fats, fiber and minerals like iron and magnesium.

Eating Times and Tips

What is the best time of day to eat thorn melon or kiwano?

There’s no single “best” time to enjoy the refreshing tropical flavors of horned melon – it makes a great addition to your diet any time of day!

For breakfast, you can blend the kiwano’s jelly flesh into smoothies or top yogurt and oatmeal with the crunchy seeds. At lunch, toss chunks of the flesh into fruit salads or chicken salads for a zesty kick.

In the afternoon, scoop the fresh flesh straight from the rind for a healthy, hydrating, low-calorie snack to beat the heat. And for dinner, the mild, subtly sweet flavors pair beautifully with fish, poultry and veggie dishes when mixed into salsas, chutneys or chilled soups.

The portability and all-day refreshment of kiwano also make it an ideal option for packing in lunchboxes or taking on the go when you need a nutritious energy boost.

Can you eat kiwano or thorn melon at night?

Yes, kiwano melon can absolutely be enjoyed as an evening or late-night snack! In fact, it makes for quite a perfect pre-bedtime treat.

The high water content of the kiwano’s flesh allows it to hydrate and replenish your body’s fluids before sleep. At the same time, it’s also very low in calories and naturally low in sugar, so you don’t have to worry about a big spike in blood sugar levels before bed.

Additionally, the kiwano boasts an impressive array of nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants that can aid sleep quality and muscle recovery overnight. Plus, the crunchy seeds provide light protein and healthy fats to help you feel satisfied until morning.

So whether you scoop it out of the rind for a light dessert or blend it into a protein shake, the thorn melon’s unique flavors and makeup make it a smart choice for healthy night noshing.

What dishes or flavors pair well with kiwano melons?

With its sublime tropical flavor blend of banana, lime, cucumber and zesty melon notes, the kiwano beautifully complements a wide variety of dishes and ingredients.

The bright, refreshing flesh pairs splendidly with other tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, papaya and passion fruit in salsas, smoothies and fruit salads. It also makes a lovely topping for pavlovas, cakes, tarts and other desserts.

On the savory side, kiwano’s juicy flesh can be blended into chilled soups like gazpacho or used to glaze proteins like shrimp, fish or chicken. The tart rind is also fantastic; it can be pickled or added to salsas and chutneys for grilled meats, tacos, and more.

Beverage-wise, the kiwano’s fun flavors work marvelously muddled into lemonades, cocktails like margaritas, or fruity sangrias. You can spike it with citrus, ginger, mint or even jalapeño for extra zing.

With its versatile sweet-tart taste, brilliant colors and luscious textures, kiwano melon is an easy way to add tropical flair and pizazz to all sorts of sweet and savory creations.

Benefits and Nutrition

What are the nutritional benefits of eating horned melon regularly?

The unique and exotic kiwano melon is an absolute nutritional powerhouse packed with an array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds.

The vibrant green jelly-like flesh alone is an excellent source of hydration and immune-boosting vitamin C, skin-nourishing vitamin A, blood-strengthening folate, bone-building vitamin K, and potassium for muscle function.

The edible seeds provide plant-based protein, fiber, and minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium, while the horned rind delivers extra fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants like the vision-protecting carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.

Altogether, the kiwano supplies vital nutrients to support everything from digestion and hydration to immunity, cardiovascular health, reproductive function, and even blood sugar regulation, thanks to its low glycemic index.

Potential benefits of making the kiwano a regular part of your diet include reduced disease risk, improved energy levels, glowing skin, better sleep, decreased inflammation and stronger bones and muscles.

Does eating thorn melon help with weight loss?

Yes, the unique nutritional profile of kiwano melon can make it a great addition to a weight-loss diet! This low-calorie yet highly nutritious fruit has several attributes that may support healthy weight management:

First, the jelly-like flesh contains a high percentage of water to provide hydration and promote feelings of fullness. It’s also very low in calories, with a typical kiwano containing only about 50-60 calories. This allows you to fill up on its refreshing flavors without going overboard on empty calories.

At the same time, the kiwano delivers impressive amounts of dietary fiber and protein through the flesh and seeds. Fiber aids digestion and curbs blood sugar spikes, while protein builds metabolism-boosting lean muscle. Together, this dynamic duo helps keep you feeling satisfied for longer between meals.

Additionally, kiwano provides energizing B vitamins, electrolytes like potassium, and anti-inflammatory antioxidants to support exercise performance and recovery on a calorie-controlled plan.

So whether you enjoy it as a low-cal snack, mix it into protein smoothies, or use it to add bright, refreshing flavors to lighter entrées, the kiwano’s nutrient density makes it an excellent accessory for safe, sustainable weight control.

Thorn Melon Benefits for Men and Sexual Health

Some purported sexual benefits of thorn melon for men’s health include:

• The zinc and vitamin E content may help promote healthy sperm production, motility and male fertility.
• Thorn melons provide energizing B vitamins and electrolytes like magnesium, which are essential for physical stamina.
• The seeds offer plant-based protein and healthy fats to support muscle growth and testosterone production.
• Antioxidants like vitamin C may protect and enhance blood flow for better sexual functioning.
• The fruits’ high water content, along with nutrients like potassium and vitamin K, can potentially reduce cramping and enhance performance.

While these sexual benefits seem plausible based on the kiwano’s nutritional makeup, it’s important to note that conclusive scientific research is still quite limited. More studies specifically investigating the impacts of regular kiwano or horned melon consumption on male fertility, stamina, and sex drive are still needed.

That said, the melon’s abundance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds could certainly contribute to overall reproductive health when included as part of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet and lifestyle for men.

Thorn Melon Benefits for Women

For women, some of the key potential benefits of incorporating kiwano or thorn melon into their diet include:

• The fruits are an excellent source of folate to help prevent birth defects and support reproductive health.
• Kiwanos provides plant-based iron to help prevent and correct iron-deficiency anemia, common during menstruation.
• They deliver energizing B vitamins and electrolytes like magnesium to combat fatigue and menstrual cramps.
• The high vitamin C content supports healthy immune function, collagen production for skin health, and may aid the absorption of plant-based iron.
• Antioxidants like vitamins A and E may promote fertility and protect reproductive organs from oxidative stress.
• The seeds are a good source of zinc, which plays a role in fertility and hormone production in women.

While more robust research is warranted, the impressive vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds make kiwano a wonderfully nutritious addition for women looking to meet increased micronutrient needs across various life stages.

Does thorn melon or kiwano help clean the blood?

While there is no solid scientific evidence that kiwano melon directly “cleans” or detoxifies the blood, it does contain several nutrients that may support healthy blood and circulation:

The high water content helps keep blood hydrated and flowing smoothly. Kiwano is over 90% water by weight.

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and can help remove harmful free radicals from the bloodstream that can damage cells and arteries.

The iron and folate in kiwano assist in red blood cell formation and oxygenation of blood.

The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin in the rind may help protect blood vessels from oxidative stress and inflammation.

So, while the kiwano doesn’t directly flush out toxins or impurities from the blood, its nutrient richness provides many blood-boosting benefits that can enhance overall cardiovascular health when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet.

Does thorn melon or kiwano reduce acidity or acid reflux?

Thorn melon or kiwano likely does not actively cure or treat chronic acid reflux or other types of acidity issues like GERD. However, it may provide some relief from occasional acid reflux symptoms.

The jelly-like flesh is quite low in acidic content, so it shouldn’t trigger or worsen reflux for most people. Its higher water content can also help dilute stomach acids temporarily.

Additionally, kiwano contains compounds that may help neutralize acids, including potassium and magnesium, as well as certain antioxidants.

That said, for those suffering from frequent, severe bouts of acid reflux, kiwano alone would not be enough to prevent or treat the root causes like hiatal hernias or esophageal irritation. Consulting a doctor is recommended.

Does thorn melon or kiwano help reduce high blood pressure?

There is some evidence that the unique nutritional profile of thorn melon may help promote healthy blood pressure levels, though results can vary.

Kiwano is an excellent source of potassium, a key mineral involved in vasodilation to allow better blood flow. It also provides magnesium, which helps muscles relax, including blood vessel walls.

The high water content coupled with potassium and antioxidants like vitamin C may have a mild diuretic effect to flush out excess sodium and fluid buildup that can worsen hypertension.

Certain antioxidants in kiwano, like lutein, may help enhance nitric oxide production and improve blood vessel elasticity.

While more research is still needed, adding kiwano to a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean protein may help support healthy blood pressure levels as part of an overall heart-healthy lifestyle.

Does thorn melon or kiwano help balance hormones in the body?

Some proponents believe that incorporating thorn melon into one’s diet may help promote better hormone balance and regulation within the body, particularly for women. Here’s a look at some of the potential hormone-balancing benefits of kiwano:

• Zinc Content. Kiwano seeds are a good plant-based source of zinc, a mineral that plays a key role in optimal testosterone and estrogen production. Getting proper zinc intake can reduce hormonal imbalances.
• Vitamin B6. Thorn melon provides B6, which is required for progesterone formation and aids the liver in metabolizing and clearing excess hormones like estrogen from the body. This mineral is vital for activating enzymes required for proper hormone balance and reducing symptoms of hormonal imbalance like anxiety, insomnia, and menstrual cramps.
• Omega Fatty Acids. The seeds contain beneficial omega-3  fatty acids that help modulate inflammation triggered by hormonal fluctuations and imbalances.
• Compounds like vitamin C and E protect hormones from oxidative damage and inhibit excess inflammation that can hinder hormone regulation.

While eating plenty of nutrient-rich thorn melon can certainly provide micronutrients to support proper hormone production and metabolism, it’s just one small part of achieving optimal hormone balance. Overall diet, exercise, stress management, and sometimes supplementation are also key factors.

But when included as part of an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich diet full of fruits, veggies, and healthy fats, thorn melon’s vitamin and mineral wealth may boost hormonal harmony.

Thorn Melon Benefits for Skin

Can I apply thorn melon or kiwano on my face? What are the skin benefits?

While you wouldn’t want to rub the prickly thorn melon rind directly on your face, consuming kiwano can absolutely provide some excellent benefits for skin health and appearance thanks to its nutritional richness.

• Vitamin C. Kiwano or horned melon is an excellent source of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that plays a vital role in collagen production for skin elasticity and firmness. Getting ample vitamin C can protect the skin from premature aging, wrinkles, and damage.
• Vitamin A. The vibrant flesh contains provitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene that the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A promotes healthy skin cell growth and renewal to keep skin glowing.
• Hydrating Properties. With its high water content of over 90%, kiwano can help hydrate skin from the inside out. Proper hydration plumps skin and enhances radiance.
• Compounds like lutein/zeaxanthin fight free radicals that accelerate skin aging. Their anti-inflammatory effects also reduce redness and irritation.
• Omega Fatty Acids. The seeds provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish and moisturize skin while reducing dryness, roughness, and signs of premature aging.

So, while kiwano probably isn’t the best face mask ingredient due to its acidity levels and spiky texture, eating the rind, flesh, and seeds can absolutely give skin a healthy, rejuvenated glow from within! Simply enjoy kiwano as a smoothie, salad topper, or refreshing snack for maximum skin benefits.

Side Effects of Thorn Melon

Is thorn melon or kiwano poisonous or unsafe to eat?

No, when ripe, the kiwano or horned melon is not poisonous or toxic. It is completely safe to consume the entirety of the fruit, including the spiky rind, jelly-like flesh, and edible seeds inside.

However, there are a couple of potential risks or side effects to be aware of when eating thorn melon:

• Digestive Issues. The rind of the kiwano contains a higher concentration of fiber compared to the flesh. While fiber is great for digestion in normal amounts, consuming too much fiber all at once can potentially lead to gas, bloating, abdominal cramps or loose stools for some people. Those not used to eating high-fiber foods should introduce kiwano rind gradually.
• Oxalate Concerns. Kiwano rinds also naturally contain higher levels of oxalates, compounds that can bind to minerals like calcium and potentially increase the risk of kidney stones when consumed in excessive quantities. Normal intake is perfectly safe as long as you don’t overindulge, just on the skin.
• Allergic Reactions. There is a small risk of allergic reaction when eating any new food, including kiwano. Those with latex allergies may need to be especially cautious, as the kiwano is botanically related to other latex-containing fruits and vegetables. Start with just a small portion first to test for any allergy symptoms.

Overall, when eating kiwano melons in normal food amounts as part of a balanced diet, there are no glaring health risks or side effects to worry about for most people. Just use normal food safety precautions like washing the spiky rind thoroughly.