2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Kiwano / Cucumis metuliferus / is the fruit of an annual liana-like plant of the Pumpkin family, which reaches 3 meters. Kiwano is also called prickly cucumber and horned melon. Homeland of nodded is the Kalahari Desert in Africa, but is also cultivated in Chile, California, New Zealand and Australia. It appeared on the market too late - only in the 20th century.
The name nodded comes from New Zealand and comes from the words kiwi and banana because it is very reminiscent of the taste of these fruits.
Kiwano is a very close relative of the cucumber, and in appearance can be likened to a melon with horns. The ripe fruit has a yellow-green color on the outside and looks like green jelly with seeds on the inside. Due to its strange appearance, the sneeze is often neglected. In some countries it is grown as a vegetable, but because of its tropical origin and aroma it is considered a fruit.
Kiwano is considered a new and quite exotic crop, which is grown quite rarely and has no special economic significance. However, recently in more and more places around the world, including Bulgaria, kiwano has become more attractive and sought after fruit. Prickly cucumbers reach a length between 25-30 cm. They are covered with thorns, which are quite sharp.
The appropriate temperature for growing nodded is about 25 degrees, it does not tolerate any cold. The seedlings are transplanted outside only after the last spring frosts have passed.
Composition of kiwano
Kiwano is unfairly neglected because it is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as B vitamins. It contains the minerals magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, sodium and potassium. Kiwano is a low-calorie product suitable for dieting.
100 g of kiwano contain 44 kcal, 1.26 g of fat, 7.5 g of carbohydrates, 1.8 g of protein.
Selection and storage of kiwano
You will recognize the ripe fruit kiwano by the yellow-green color on the outside and the green jelly-like inside. Its price varies, but it is most often found for BGN 7 each. Kiwano is very easy to store - at room temperature it can last up to half a year. You can freeze or dry the kiwano, but do not keep it in the refrigerator.
Nodded in cooking
If you are tired of monotony and want to try something different, sneezing is the right fruit for you. For fresh consumption, wash the kiwano and cut it in half.
Inside you will find a refreshing green flesh, which has many seeds. You can scrape the meat with a spoon, along with the seeds. The fruit is most often eaten raw, tastes like melon, kiwi and cucumber, but smells more like a banana. If desired, season it with cream and lemon juice.
Kiwano can be used as a delicious addition to salads, desserts, fish or seafood. Among other things, the kiwano can be used as a unique decoration. Kiwano is suitable for fruit salads and exotic drinks.
Benefits of kiwano
This exotic fruit is not only tasty and tonic, but also very useful. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and its seeds contain a number of useful fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acid.
Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that is essential for maintaining good health. In addition, it is a valuable ingredient for beautiful and healthy skin.
Oleic acid in turn helps to improve the functions of the immune system, as well as significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Kiwano seeds are rich in beta-carotene, which not only supports the immune system, but also keeps the eyes and skin in excellent health.
Kiwano is useful for cancer prevention because it protects the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. The energy and caloric value of kiwano is very low, so it is suitable for inclusion in diets for weight loss.
