Horned Melons Delivery or Pickup

The horned melon is categorized as exotic fruit and is known by numerous names: the African horned cucumber, kiwano melon, hedged gourd, jelly melon, and blowfish fruit. It is the size of a large pear and weighs less than one pound. The bright orange skin has several soft spikes, but inside is a jelly-like green interior with white seeds. The inside is a cross between a cucumber, zucchini, and kiwi. This jelly-like interior is where the flavor lies. It has hints of lime, melon, cucumber, and banana. The seeds can be eaten but do not have much flavor. 

This unique fruit may look dangerous with its spiked skin, but it is perfectly safe to eat and is native to the southern part of Africa. In Africa, not only is it a traditional food plant that grows wild, but it is also often the only source of water during the dry season (it is 90% water). It was introduced to New Zealand and Australia in the 1930s and is now grown in many countries. In New Zealand, it is often called a kiwano because the inside resembles the inside of kiwi fruit. 

The easiest way to open a horned melon is to cut the fruit in half and squeeze each half until the slime-covered seeds come out. The jelly has a gooey, green color and is very tasty and hydrating on a warm day. The seeds can also be eaten; they are not harmful, just a little bland. Many people prefer to suck the green pulp off the seeds instead. You can even eat the entire skin; just be sure to slice off the small horns first. 

Another way to remove the pulp is to scoop it. Slide a knife into the pulp, poking it a few times to loosen it from the skin, then scoop it with a spoon. Press it into a mesh strainer to separate the pulp from the seeds. The pulp works well in savory and sweet dishes and can be used in fruit salads, smoothies, salsas, yogurts, on toast, in cocktails, and as a garnish with roasted meats. Adding some salt or sugar can enhance its flavor. It may be eaten fresh or cooked and makes delicious infused water.

You can purchase horned melons by simply opening your Instacart app and add it to your cart. Once purchased, our Instacart shopper will do our best to deliver it the same day! Save time and energy and let us do the shopping!

Before it is ripe horned melon is dark green, but as it ripens, it becomes a soft shade of orange. They are fully ripe and ready to eat when the skin is a deep, bright golden orange. The brighter the skin, the sweeter the pulp.

When choosing horned melons, check for soft spots or bruises as they will not last too long once bruised. They do not need to be refrigerated. In fact, keeping them at room temperature is preferred and will last three to four days. Furthermore, its flavor is most pronounced when at room temperature. When horned melons are very fresh, they could last a week. If there is leftover pulp, be sure to consume it within a day or two as it becomes watery. 

To freeze horned melons, wait until they are fully ripened. Then scoop out the pulp and place it in a freezer-safe container. Either keep the seeds and pulp intact or strain the pulp from the seeds. Freeze for up to three months.