Horned Melon Botanical Name: Cucumis metuliferus (Cucumis)

General Description/History: - Same family as other melons and cucumbers - 10 – 15cm long, 6cm in diameter - Resembles the apple cucumber in shape - Has small horns on skin The homed melon grows on a vine similar to melons. Select firm fruit with no blemishes. Skin colour is golden orange when ripe The homed melon can be used as a vegetable when green, but when allowed to ripen further, it becomes a very attractive golden orange colour and can be used as a fruit. The flesh is a green colour surrounding cream coloured seeds. As the fruit matures the flesh becomes sweeter. The homed melon can be cut in quarters, lengthwise and the flesh eaten as is. When mature it is known to have a combined flavour of lime, passionfruit and banana, therefore making a lovely addition to drinks, salad dressings and dessert sauces. An excellent way of taking advantage of the attractive skin colouring is to scoop out the flesh, combine it with other fruits such as pawpaw or melon and pile the combination back into the skin. As with all melons, the homed melon requires a steady supply of water and nutrients during its growth and development. Dry hot weather after the time of maturity is ideal for the sugar conversion in ripening. Too much water in the last stages before harvest tends to decrease the sweetness of the fruit. It is called the prickly cucumber when green and the homed melon when golden orange in colour. The homed melon is a member of the cucumis family, which includes melons, cucumbers and gherkins.

Alternative Names: African Cucumber Horned Cucumber Kiwano Prickly Cucumber

Availability:  Month  Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec   Availability                                                                         Available in January, February, March and December

Growing Areas: QLD – Bowen, Gympie

Nutritional Value: No nutrient analysis is available to date.

Storage/Handling: 7 - 10°C and 90 – 98% relative humidity. Horned melons can be stored at room temperature for a considerable length of time. Green melons readily store for at least one month. Consumer Storage: Ripen at room temperature and store in the refrigerator crisper for a short time.