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.
Cucumis metuliferus.
| Horned melon | |
|---|---|
| Order: | Cucurbitales |
| Family: | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus: | Cucumis |
| Species: | C. metuliferus |
Are cucumbers grown in Africa?
Description. African horned cucumber is a traditional food plant indigenous to Southern and Central Africa. It grows naturally in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland.
How does the African cucumber taste like?
The flavor is mild – with a sweet citrus cucumber flavor when green, and a combination of banana, kiwi and citrus when ripe. The Khoisan people of the Kalahari traditionally roast the fruit and strain the flesh and cook the leaves. The fruit are 80% water, which means they are a good source of fluids in dry areas.
Where are African cucumbers grown?
The fruit grows naturally in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland. The African Horned Cucumber is now grown all over the world for its ornamental and edible qualities.
How do you eat an African cucumber?
The simplest way to eat a kiwano melon is to slice it open and spoon the pulp directly from the rind. Some people add a little salt or sugar to enhance its flavor. It may be eaten fresh or cooked. If you’re feeling creative, you can add the pulp to smoothies or use it to top yogurt, granola, or an ice cream sundae.
Can you eat a wild cucumber?
While they may look and smell like garden cucumbers, wild cucumber fruit is not safe to eat. It causes stomach upset, diarrhea, and even burning reactions for some people.
What is the health benefits of eating cucumber?
All that water in cucumbers can help keep you hydrated. Plus, the fiber boost they give you helps you stay regular and avoid constipation. The vitamin K helps blood clot and keep your bones healthy. Vitamin A has many jobs, like helping with vision, the immune system, and reproduction.
What is African cucumber used for?
In its native habitat, Africa, African cucumber is a traditional food plant and has it can be used for several purposes, including enhancing nutrition and food security, promote rural development as well as maintain sustainable land use.
Where does jelly melon come from?
Jelly melon is an exotic, flavorful and peculiar-looking fruit from the central and southern regions of Africa. Growing a jelly melon plant is much like caring for cucumber vines.
Where are Kiwanos from?
Where Are Kiwanos From? They are a traditional fruit plant in Africa, where they can survive the tough dry desert weather. They are also popular in New Zealand, Australia and parts of the U.S.
What are cucumbers with spikes called?
Cucumis metuliferus, commonly called the African horned cucumber, horned melon, spiked melon, jelly melon, kiwano, or cuke-a-saurus is an annual vine in the cucumber and melon family, Cucurbitaceae. Its fruit has horn-like spines, hence the name “horned melon”.
What are spiky cucumbers called?
The spiny-fruited vine that we use is called CUCUMIS ANGURIA. Some gardeners refer to it as Spiny Cucumber. Still, it is more often known as West India Gherkin or Bur Gherkin in other parts of the globe because pickles produced from immature regular garden cucumbers are often referred to as “gherkins” in North America.
Are there different types of cucumbers?
There are a number of common cucumber varieties—Armenian, English, lemon, Persian—that you may encounter. Not only will this guide help you identify cucumbers, but you’ll also get a few ideas on how to use them. One of the favorites is commonly found in crisp cucumber salads.
How do you cut an African cucumber?
Cut the fruit in half short-ways, across the equator.
This is the best way of cutting the fruit for eating it by itself. If you want to scoop the seeds out for use in a recipe or fruit salad, it can be easier to scoop if you cut it lengthwise. It’s up to you.
What is the spiky fruit called?
Native to southeast Asia, rambutan is a unique type of fruit that grows best in the tropical climates of Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia—though it also grows in Mexico and Hawaii. It’s best known for the soft, flexible spikes—called spinterns—that grow from the outside of its thick skin.
Can thorn melon cure ulcers?
Kiwano is loaded with dietary fibers that improve the digestion process. The basic function of fiber is that it facilitates healthy digestion. It prevents serious medical conditions, such as colon cancer and gastric ulcers. The gelatinous nature of the fruit reduces constipation and cleans the urinary tract.
Why is wild cucumber not edible?
Is Wild Cucumber Fruit Edible? This is an often-asked question, and the answer is, unfortunately, no. Although wild cucumbers are related to the familiar, domestic vegetable, the prickly “cucumbers” consist not of fleshy fruit, but of two seed chambers containing lacy netting.
How did native Americans use wild cucumber?
Native American groups along the California coast had many uses for plants in the same genus as the wild cucumber. Notable uses are in stunning fish and body or face painting using roasted seeds. An interesting use is in the treatment of men’s hair loss.
Why was my cucumber bitter?
The actual cause of bitterness in cucumbers and other gourds, like zucchini, is due to a compound known as cucurbitacin. This compound is always present in cucumbers, but the levels change based on the growing process of the vegetables. The higher the level of cucurbitacin, the more bitter the cucumber.
Who should not eat cucumber?
Risks
- Digestive problems. Some people find some types of cucumber hard to digest .
- Blood clotting. Cucumber is relatively high in vitamin K.
- Allergy. Some people have reported an allergic reaction to cucumber.
- Toxicity. Some cucurbitacins are toxic for people to consume.
What happens if you eat cucumber everyday?
They are low in calories but contain many important vitamins and minerals, as well as a high water content. Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels.