In the opening sequences of the movie “Avengers: Endgame“, super-villain Thanos is slowly walking/hulking through a lush landscape picking an exotic-looking spiky orange fruit.
Oval, covered in small horns and a deep golden-orange colour, the Kiwano looks like something dreamed up by the props department as the perfect fruit for creatures living in a galaxy far, far away. It even once starred in an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as a “golana melon” (from the fictional planet Golana of course).
However, that spiky orange fruit is a very real, non-GMO fruit grown right here on planet earth. It’s called a Kiwano (although it’s also known as a horned melon, jelly melon or kiwano melon).
The vibrant Kiwano (scientific name: Cucumis metuliferus) is native to Sub-Saharan Africa and is a member of the melon family. A desert fruit, it thrives in warm, dry weather. Today the fruit is mainly grown commercially in New Zealand (that’s us!) and the USA.
How do Kiwano grow?
In the Avengers, you’ll see Thanos picking the Kiwano off the top of long stalks. Of course, real life is not like the movies! Kiwano melon (like other melons) grow on a bushy vine low to the ground. Here in New Zealand we plant our Kiwano seedlings in spring, then harvest during the hot, dry summer months. We also grow our fruit naturally – which means no pesticides, harsh chemicals or sprays are used. If needed we’ll use a little natural fertiliser like seaweed. With a focus on a light touch and healthy soil, our Kiwano thrive in this environment.
Kiwano: A spiky orange fruit that’s outta this world
The Kiwano’s otherworldly look doesn’t stop at its golden exterior. Cut it open and inside you’ll find a vibrant green pulp. The pulp is cool and jelly-like in consistency, making it deeply refreshing and hydrating. The taste is best described as an exotic mixture of banana, passionfruit and lime.
The perfect superhero (or supermom for that matter) food
As a low-cal, hydrating and filling fruit, the Kiwano are an ideal post-workout snack when you’re getting in shape for that new superhero role. It’s also full of goodness for us off-screen folk.
Kiwano are super healthy – only 44cals per 100gm (about ½ a Kiwano). It’s very low in natural sugars, plus are a natural food source of magnesium, potassium and fibre. Magnesium in particular is a mineral we all need to make sure we get enough of. It plays an essential role in maintaining our wellbeing, including aiding energy metabolism, supporting better sleep, calming our nervous system and easing muscle tension.
So how do you eat it?
Kiwano is a really versatile fruit. Delicious eaten fresh, it works well in both savoury, breakfast and dessert recipes. Think salsas, raita, salads, guacamole, cheesecakes, breakfast bowls, chia pots. Plus as a base for juices, cocktails and smoothies. It’s clean, citrusy taste pairs beautifully with seafood and Asian-style foods, such as sashimi (or check out our game-changing recipe for chilli Kiwano). Kiwano also pairs well with Mexican – dollop on top of tacos, or make exotic guacamole, fresh salsa and our version of a skinny margarita.
So next time you see an otherworldly spiky orange fruit at the market – you know what to do! We’d love to see and hear what you’re making with your Kiwano…tag us on Instagram or send us a shout on Facebook anytime.
