HORNED MELON

Kiwano horned melons grow in New Zealand and even some parts of California. Originally from Africa, this unique-looking melon is orange at peak ripeness and covered with spiky protrusions. You can keep a kiwano melon for about 2 months, so it makes an ideal decoration for a table centerpiece. The kiwano melon’s flavor compares to that of a cucumber, with edible seeds and a jelly-like center.

Ripe Horned Melons will have a bright orange shell. Avoid any bruises or spots. No need to refrigerate, and, again, the tough seeds are supposed to be edible if any of my adventurous friends would like to try them.

Horned Melon shells can be used as unique serving bowls for many favorite dishes, they can also be eaten like other melons; chill, cut into lengthwise sections and eat it right off the rind as you would a watermelon or cantaloupe.