Jelly Melon

Jelly Melon

Cucumis metuliferus

 A real South African heirloom, this traditional food plant is indigenous to Southern and Central Africa. A vigorous grower that produces multiple horned fruits that go from varying mottled greens to a bright mottled orange when ripe. As it ripens from green to orange , the flavor spectrum is quite vast: from a savory tart cucumber with hint of citrus in its green skinned phase to a banana, citrus, kiwi fruit with hints of papaya when orange and ripe. The jell-o texture is unique and adds a whole new dimension to this fruit. As a simple desert, simply cut the Jelly Melon in half and scoop out the jello coated seed with a spoon.

Also known as African Horned Cucumber, or Wild Cucumber.