Because of its resemblance to kiwi, it is called kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus), and in fact it is African spiny melon which looks like a cucumber.
This fruit tree only left Africa and its native Zimbabwe in 1930, "moving" first to New Zealand and then to Australia. Today, it is mostly grown in Chile and California, and in smaller quantities in Croatia.
Kiwano is light green in color, which is why it most resembles a kiwi, the taste is a combination of banana, melon, cucumber and lime. The nutritious fruit is available throughout the year and is eaten raw.
It is rich in vitamin C and minerals potassium and iron, and also contains phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, sodium and calcium. It is ideal for dieting, because it has few carbohydrates and no fat at all. It is extremely effective against colds.
The seeds are rich in fatty acids, the most important of which are linoleic and oleic. Linoleic is particularly important, as one of the omega-6 fatty acids. Oleinska helps in the fight against high blood pressure. Yellowish-green seeds contain carotenoid (beta carotene, provitamin A), which is important for the immune system, skin and eye health.
The antioxidants a-tocopherol and y-tocopherol are organic forms of vitamin E, and it is necessary for good health, primarily for the heart, muscles, nerves, red blood cells, hormones and skin. Vitamin E neutralizes harmful free radicals, the causative agents of cancer, cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. It has been proven that this vitamin reduces the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
It is eaten by cutting it in half, then scooping out the fleshy part with a spoon. The fruits are ripe when the green shade changes to yellow-orange. The seeds are delicious, especially in combination with ice cream or yogurt. African melon also goes well with salty cheeses, cucumber and tomato. Kiwano can be purchased here in well-stocked stores.
VITAMIN BOMB
Kiwana juice invigorates the body, and it is prepared by cutting 4 African melons in half, removing the fleshy part with a spoon and pureeing it in a blender. Then it is strained and thus separated from the seeds. Since it is very thick, add a whole lemon and 3 to 4 dl of water. Sweeten as desired, remove the foam from the surface, add ice and it is ready for consumption. Instead of lemon, black grape juice can be added, and all fruit combinations make a real vitamin bomb for the body.
Source: BKTVnews.com
Read more:
The Recipes and Kuvar online portal is ranked among the TOP 50 websites in Serbia!
If you are interested in all of ours recipes, click the link: RECIPES. Collections of the best recipes of our associates can be found in the cook section, if you want to read more, click on the link: COOK. If you want to see our front page, click on the link: RECIPES AND COOK ONLINE homepage.
Don't miss a recipe - Recipes and cookbook online on Facebook. Stay tuned, follow the Recipes and Cookbook twitter notifications!
