Horned Melon

Horned Melon: From Vine to Dinner Plate

The horned melon, often called the African horned cucumber, is a unique fruit native to Africa. Despite its humorous name and funny appearance, the horned melon is a viable source of nutrition, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is often eaten fresh, used as an appetizer in salads, or made into a juice. While today’s consumption of the horned melon is mainly for culinary purposes, it has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb due to its many health benefits.

Because of its versatility in food applications, this specialized melon has been gaining in popularity in recent years and has spread beyond Africa, where it is most frequently found. To better understand the process of how a horned melon is created, propagated, and eventually finds its way onto our dinner plates, it is important to take a look at the many steps of struggle and growth this strange fruit must endure before being served.

Propagation

The horned melon begins as a small seed, which must be planted in a prime environment and given proper care. The melon is usually sown directly into the ground, in an area that receives full sun. Even though this melon flourishes in hot and dry conditions, the soil should be well-drained and loose, allowing easy root growth and proper aeration. The seed must then be covered lightly with a thin layer of soil, and watered gently so as not to disturb the seed. Germination usually occurs after four days.

Once these first sprouts have emerged, it is important to monitor the size of the bed while deciding how many plants to leave. This is typically done by thinning out the bed, in order to ensure the individual plants have enough room to thrive. When the seedlings are around 4-6 inches in height and have developed their second set of true leaves, it is time for the seedlings to be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the field.

Growing

Once the horned melon has been transplanted, the juvenile fruits will begin to develop quickly. The melon is a vining plant, with vines that generally reach about six to eight feet in length. In order for the vine to develop properly, it is important to provide it with a trellis or other form of support. These vines will produce numerous yellow-green horn-shaped fruits over the next two to three months, each of which is typically 2 - 6 inches in size.

Harvesting

The melon is usually harvested when the rind is hard enough to resist finger pressure and has turned orange-yellow in color. The climatic region where the melon is grown will affect the length of the harvest period, with warmer climates ripening the fruit more quickly. As the horned melon ages, the interior starch content turns to sugar and the aroma and flavor of the fruit will begin to sweeten.

Once the melons are harvested, the produce is typically packed carefully for transport. This is done to prevent any damage to the fragile fruits, which can reduce their longevity and quality. The melons can then be shipped to their final destination, where they will be ready for consumption.

Post Harvest Care

After the horned melon has been harvested, it is important to store the melon in conditions that will maximize its shelf-life. For instance, it should be stored in temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, in a location with high humidity and good air circulation. These conditions help slow down the process of dehydration, maximizing the shelf-life of the fruit.

Preparing & Consuming

When preparing the horned melon for consumption, it is important to thoroughly wash the outer rind with clean water and a brush before cutting it open. After this is done, the melon can be cut in half and the inside fibrous green matter can then be scooped out. The melon can then be sliced, cubed, pureed, or added to salads, smoothies, and other food dishes.

Due to its unique flavor and crunchiness, the horned melon makes for an interesting addition to many meals. The most popular way to eat the horned melon is on its own, after seasoning it with sugar, lemon, or lime juice. It can also be used as an appetizer or a side dish, often served with other fruits such as cantaloupe or honeydew melon. For additional visual appeal, the horned melon slices can also be arranged to look like a flower on a plate, which is a very attractive presentation.

Conclusion

The horned melon is truly an interesting and unique fruit, one with a remarkable journey from seed to plate. By going through the stages of propagation, growth, harvesting, post-harvest care, and consumption, we can better appreciate the versatility and importance of this delicious fruit. With its unique flavor, attractive appearance, and nutritional value, the horned melon is sure to make quite an impression on dinner tables around the world.