After cutting it looks similar to cucumber. It is also often called spiky cucumber, though Kiwano is an exotic fruit from Africa. You can buy it in Polish hypermarkets and tropical products. The easiest way to order it online. What properties does it do and how to use it in the kitchen?
Kiwano is a melon or horned cucumber. It is also often called African, because it naturally occurs in Africa. However, it is also grown in New Zealand, Australia, the United States and South America. In Poland, it can be grown in a greenhouse, because there are not too many requirements. Interestingly, although it is considered fruit, according to the botanical classification it is a vegetable.
It is characterized by a unique look – It has a round or oblong shape and grows up to 15 cm. Its weight is usually up to 300 g. The nickname “horned” has gained thanks to soft spikes that stick out of hard skin. The outer layer can be green, yellow or orange – depending on the degree of maturity. Inside there is a juicy, jelly -like lime flesh with dining seeds.
What does Kiwano taste like? It is a really original combination of cucumber, melon, kiwi, banana, lemon and even zucchini aromas. Most define its taste as mild and refreshing, but for some the fruit can be a bit tart. The mature spikes cucumber not only tastes exceptionally, but also smells. The smell resembles the one secreted by sweet, ripe bananas.
Kiwano is a fruit for children and adults. It consists of 89 percent From water, that’s why it quenches thirst and is low in calories. In 100 grams it contains only 43.7 kcal, so less than apples, pears or raspberries and almost the same as slimming grapefruit. They also hide in the composition of the horned melon antioxidants, fiber, vitamins (C, E, A and those from group B) and minerals (magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus and potassium). Thanks to nutritional values, it has a positive effect on the functioning of the body.
What properties does Kiwano have? African cucumber protects against the negative effects of free radicals. They accelerate cell aging and develop civilization diseases, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer and cancer. Fruit cares for the skin, improves immunity and lowers too high cholesterol. The fiber it provides, improves digestive processes and intestinal work (soothing constipation or flatulence) and accelerates metabolism. This is another advantage on a reduction diet.
To the most important properties The regulation of hormonal management should also be. He controls, among others Andrenaline level, therefore you have to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, fatigue and stress. Turning on the diet to be included in the diet lookpreventing cataract development. Regular eating fruit It will improve concentration and memory, strengthen muscles and bones. Thanks to potassium and magnesium It will also have a good effect on heart health and lower the pressure.
It is worth emphasizing that One piece will provide as much as 21 percent daily magnesium demand, 18 percent – For vitamin C and 13 percent – for iron. This will not only stimulate the production of red blood cells, but also relieve inflammation, soothe the nervous system and strengthen the body’s response to viruses and bacteria.
In the store, look for only ripe specimens, i.e. fruit with orange peel. Unripe, still green or light yellow, Kiwano may contain substances that will cause stomach ailments, headache or even fever (it is worth putting off the fruit and wait until it ripens). After purchase do not store it in the fridgebecause it will lose all the taste. If you don’t want it to waste it, hollow the pulp, pack in the container and put in the freezer’s drawer.
How to eat kiwano? Rinse the fruit thoroughly before consumption. Although you will not eat skin, there may be chemicals (as in the case of imported citrus). When you plan to eat fruit as a snack, it will be easier for you to cut it in half and eat with a spoon or squeeze into your mouth. If you want to hollow the pulp and add, for example, to dessert, cut in half along. Be careful, because with ripe fruit the seeds are easily cracking.
African cucumber will enrich the taste of many drinks and dishes. It is worth adding it as Low-calorie ingredient in fruit and vegetable cocktails – It blends well with watermelon, strawberries, melon or lime. Kiwano will also work in desserts – Just decorate the dough or create a dessert in a cup (based on muesli, natural yogurt and pulp). You will make it delicious preserves (jams, compotes, jam).
The fruit can also be used for dry dishes, e.g. sauces and salad. It will create a delicious whole with smoked fish, delicate sausages and meats (poultry), onions, avocado, cucumber, goat cheese.
Source: NowowoPuje.pl, Sklecz.to
