The horned melon popularly called, 'the African cucumber or kiwano or jelly melon, is an exotic fruit. It is an annual vine in the cucumber family called Cucurbitaceae. zucchinis. The other popular name for the fruit, is Cucumis metuliferus. Its origin can be traced to the Kalahari desert in South-West Africa, but presently it can be found in the United states, Chile, and New Zealand and some parts of sub-saharan Africa.

The African cucumber has similar size in shape to a medium papaya, it is full of spikes or horns hence earning it the name horned melon. Its exterior color is different from the internal flesh which has a sweet taste comparable to cucumber and zucchini or cucumber and lemon.
African cucumber tree

When sprinkled with small amount of sugar and salt it brings out more flavour. The African cucumber is studded with seeds. It can be used in cooking and can also be eaten raw.

Benefits of African Cucumber:

1. Body Hydration: Due to its 95% water content, it keeps the body hydrated while removing toxins.

2. Cucumbers are 95 percent water, keeping the body hydrated while helping the body eliminates toxins. Cucumbers have most of the vitamins the body needs in a single day.

3. Aids digestion.

4. Reduces appearance of wrinkles and age spot.

5. It can also help to reduce eczema, gout, heartburn, ulcers, and even inflammation caused by arthritis.

6. Rich in Anti-oxidants which have healing properties which heal cells damaged by free radicals, down slow aging and prevent degenerative diseases.

7. Improves sight by boosting your eye health.


It is advice-able to eat ripe African cucumber as the unripe can have dangerous levels of chemicals which can cause stomach issues , headaches and fevers.

So boost your cognitive body by eating ripe African cucumber.

Source: www.canicechinedu..com

Of course the cucumber has several benefits.