If you’ve ever spotted a bright orange, spiky fruit at the market and wondered, How do you eat a kiwano? – you’re not alone. Also known as the horned melon or African horned cucumber, kiwano is as intriguing in appearance as it is delicious and nutritious. Its vibrant green, jelly-like pulp inside a golden, spiky shell offers a unique taste experience that combines hints of banana, lime, and passionfruit. Let’s dive into how you can enjoy this exotic fruit in easy, tasty ways.
What Is a Kiwano?
The kiwano is a fruit native to Central and Southern Africa, recognizable by its bright orange skin covered with horn-like spikes. Inside, it reveals a striking green, jelly-like pulp filled with edible seeds. The texture is somewhat slimy but refreshing, and the flavor is a subtle mix of tropical fruits that many find delightful and refreshing.
How to Eat a Kiwano: Step-by-Step
Eating a kiwano is surprisingly simple once you know the steps:
- Wash the Fruit: Rinse the kiwano under cool water to remove any dirt from its spiky skin.
- Cut It Open: Using a sharp knife, slice the kiwano in half either lengthwise or crosswise to reveal the bright green pulp inside.
- Scoop or Squeeze the Pulp:
– Scoop: Use a spoon to scoop out the jelly-like pulp directly into a bowl or your mouth.
– Squeeze: Alternatively, after loosening the pulp by inserting the knife around the edges, hold the halves gently and squeeze the pulp into a bowl or glass.
- Eat the Pulp: The seeds are edible and add to the texture, so you can eat the pulp as is. If you prefer, you can strain the juice to avoid the seeds.
- Optional – Eat Like Orange Wedges: Cut the kiwano into wedges and eat it similarly to an orange, scooping the pulp out bite by bite.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Kiwano
Kiwano is very versatile and can be enjoyed beyond just scooping it out. Here are some fun ideas:
– Fresh Snack: Eat the pulp fresh for a hydrating, vitamin C-rich treat.
– Chilli Kiwano: Scoop the pulp into the skin, squeeze fresh lime juice over it, add a few drops of Tabasco or chili sauce, sprinkle sea salt, and enjoy with a spoon for a spicy twist.
– Kiwano and Vanilla Yogurt: Mix the pulp into vanilla yogurt for a tropical-flavored breakfast or snack.
– Smoothies and Juices: Blend the pulp with other fruits for a refreshing drink.
– Toppings: Use kiwano pulp as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, salads, seafood, grilled chicken, or tacos.
– Cocktails and Mocktails: Add kiwano juice or pulp to your drinks for an exotic flair.
– Fruit Salads and Salsas: Mix kiwano with other fruits or vegetables to add a unique texture and flavor.
Tips for Choosing and Storing Kiwano
– Ripeness: Choose kiwanos with bright golden-orange skin that gives slightly when gently squeezed. Avoid those with green patches, as they are not ripe yet.
– Storage: Keep kiwano at room temperature (above 64°F or 18°C). Avoid refrigeration to maintain its freshness and shelf life.
– Skin Edibility: The skin is technically edible but not flavorful and can be prickly due to the spikes. If you want to eat the skin, carefully cut off the spikes first.
What Does Kiwano Taste Like?
The flavor of kiwano is often described as a refreshing blend of banana, lime, and passionfruit, with a cool, slightly tangy taste reminiscent of cucumber or kiwi. The texture is jelly-like with tiny seeds that add crunch but are easy to swallow. This unique combination makes kiwano a fun fruit to try, especially if you enjoy tropical flavors.
Nutritional Benefits of Kiwano
Kiwano is more than just a pretty fruit. It’s packed with nutrients:
– High in vitamin C and antioxidants
– Contains protein and essential electrolytes
– Hydrating and supports red blood cell health
This makes it a healthy choice for a snack or ingredient in your meals.
Kiwano might be a bit pricey compared to common fruits, but its exotic flavor and nutritional perks make it worth trying at least once.
Enjoy your kiwano fresh, spicy, or blended – it’s a delicious adventure for your taste buds!
Kiwano is easy to eat and incredibly versatile, making it a fun and healthy addition to your fruit repertoire. Give it a try and discover your favorite way to enjoy this spiky, tropical treasure.