What Is Horned Melon?

The horned melon is an oval-shaped fruit with a spiky orange rind and green seeds filling the interior. The fruit, which is also known as a kiwano among other names, is a member of the same family as the pumpkin, cucumber, and watermelon. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and also contains iron and potassium. Like those of a pomegranate, horned melon seeds are edible, but the green flesh around each seed is the tasty part. Most people either eat both together or separate the seed out.

The flavor of the green flesh is sweet and similar to a mix of cucumber, zucchini, and kiwi, but more like a banana as it ripens. The fruit is a popular snack in Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and some parts of the U.S. It's said to originally come from Kalahari, Africa, but was introduced to New Zealand in the 1930s and is grown there in significant amounts.