Horned Melon – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 9 min read

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Article Summary

Horned Melon or Cucumis Metuliferus is orange-colored fruit naturally found in Africa which is now cultivated in Newzealand, Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, France, and Israel. Other common names include jelly melon, métulon (France), and the trademarked names Kiwano (New Zealand), Horn Gurke (German), and Melano (Israel) Horned melon is a cucumber family fruit juicy, emerald-green, jellylike flesh. Some of the common names of this semi-arid, yellow-orange,...

Key Takeaways

This article explains Horned melon Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Nutritional Value in simple medical language.
This article explains Health benefits of Horned melon (kiwano) in simple medical language.
This article explains Selection and storage in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

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Definition

Horned Melon or Cucumis Metuliferus is orange-colored fruit naturally found in Africa which is now cultivated in Newzealand, Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, France, and Israel. Other common names include jelly melon, métulon (France), and the trademarked names Kiwano (New Zealand), Horn Gurke (German), and Melano (Israel)
Horned melon is a cucumber family fruit juicy, emerald-green, jellylike flesh. Some of the common names of this semi-arid, yellow-orange, oblong-shaped fruit are kiwano, melano, African horned cucumber, jelly melon, hedged gourd, horned melon, etc.

Facts about Horned Melon (Kiwano Melon)

Name

Horned Melon

Scientific Name

Cucumis metuliferus

Common/English Name

African cucumber, African horned cucumber, African horned melon, Bitter wild cucumber, Blowfish fruit, English tomato, Hedged gourd, Horned cucumber, Horned gourd, Horned melon, Horny cucumber, Jelly melon, Kiwano, Melano, Metulon, Spiked pears, Spiny cucumber

Name in Other Languages

Metulon (French), Rooi-agurkie, Rooikomkommer (Afr.), Mokapana (Tswana)

Common/English Names:	African Cucumber, African Horned Cucumber, African Horned Melon, Bitter Wild Cucumber, Hedged Gourd, Horned Cucumber, Horned Melon, Horny Cucumber, Jelly Melon, Kiwano, Spiny Cucumber

Afrikaans	Rooikomkommer, Rooi Agurkie, Wilde Komkommer
Benin	AgBowounon , Gbowunon (Fon ), Agbowunon (Goun)
Botswana	Magabala, Mokapana (Tswana), Mogau
Danish	Afrika Agrurk
Democratic Republicof Conga	Nku, Mutete, Mugaika , Mukaka, Uhufafa (Bantu), Kunguliranalima (Shi)
Dutch	Zuiltjesdragende Komkommer
East Africa	Tongon
Eastonian	Ogamelon
Finnish	Kivakurkku, Kiwano
French	Concombre Corne, Concombre Africain , Concombre Cornu , Kiwano ,Melon A Corne, Melon Porte-Corne, Metulon, Metulo
German	Horn Gurke, Hommelone, Hornmelone, Kiwabo , Kiwano, Geleenmelone, Kiwake, Morgensterngurke
Israel	Melano
Italian	Kiwano
Japanese	Kiwano
Malawi	Bitter Wild Cucumber, cucumber
Mozambique	Mutate, Mugaika, Mushonga, Mugaka (Shona, Southern Mozambique)
Niger	Nku,MuteteMugaika,Mukaka,Uhufafa(Bantu),Golo’n Zaki(Hausa),Oemanam Anag Eshan(Tamacheck), Gorgno Tiambou (Zarma)
Portuguese	Kiwano, Kumbundu, Maxije, Pepino Africano Umbundu
Slovenia	Afriska Kumara,Kivano
Somalia	Patir
South Africa	Bitter Wild Cucumber(English), Rooi – Agurkie, Rooikomkommer (Afrikaans), Mukake (Venda), Uhufafa (Zulu), Mokapana, Magabala(Tswana)
Spanish	Kiwano
Swedish	Kiwano ,Afrikansk Gurka
Zambia	Mugagachiga
Zimbabwe	Mushonga, Mugaka, Mutete , Mugaika , Mugaka (Shona, Southern), Ihalabujana Mu , Gumudza’mbga ( Northern), Gaka, Gakachika

History and origin

Kiwano grows naturally in the tropical and subtropical sub-Saharan regions of Africa, stretching from Senegal to Somalia and South Africa. It has also been found in Yemen. Now It is primarily cultivated in California, Mississippi, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand, where it was introduced in the 1930s.

Fruit shape & size

Similar size in shape to medium papaya or large pear, slightly oval in shape. It has horn-like spines, hence the name became “horned melon”

Normal size is about 8-10 cm long and 4-5 cm in diameter

Fruit weight

About 209g

Fruit color

Young fruit: is dark green with mottled light green spots.
Ripe fruit: yellow-orange or golden color

Flesh color

Juicy, green, and translucent and contains a lot of seeds covered in a gelatin-like substance.

Fruit peel

Flavor/aroma

Tart flavor

Fruit Taste

sweet and tart Its taste has been compared to a combination of cucumber and zucchini or a combination of banana, cucumber, and lemon

Season

Available during the summer season

Major Nutritions

Vitamin C (13.67%), Vitamin B6 (11.31%), Zinc (10.18%), Vitamin B5 (8.52%), Vitamin B3 (8.23%), Potassium (6.11%), Copper (5.22%), Thaimin (4.83%)

Calories in 1cup (233 gm)

103 Kcal

It is said that

The whole fruit of ripe Horned Melon is eaten and is believed to be not only nutritious but has medicinal properties as well. Peoples in Botswana believe it is good for diabetic patients.
Leaves of the Horned Melon are also tasty and nutritious. Leaves are cooked like spinach or mixed with maize meal.
It is believed that the skin of the Horned Melon is very rich in vitamin C and fiber.
The fruit contains saponin – a kind of oily glycoside that foams freely when shaken with water.
According to Roodt (1998), Shona tribe in the Okavango area, Horned Melon root extract is used to relieve pain after childbirth.
It is also said that the boiled root of Horned Melon is an effective remedy for Gonorrhea.
Spiritual beliefs: Tribes living in the Okavango believe that one can prevent ghosts or evil spirits from entering one’s house by applying Paste of the Horned Melon root mixed with fat on the body

Precautions

Horned Melon tastes better while it is young and green, which may have excessive levels of compound which is not edible it may cause stomach cramps, headaches, and fever. In the ripe fruit, this compound will not be present and ready to eat.
The spines in the outer peel of this fruit are slightly sharp, be careful while handling.

How to Eat

Make delicious juice and drink it
Cut melon into two pieces sprinkles some salt or sugar which enhances the flavor and scoop out of the shell with a spoon and have delicious melon.
Use it as fruit salad.

Horned melon Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Cucumis metuliferus

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Superdivision	Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division	Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class	Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass	Dilleniidae
Order	Violales
Family	Cucurbitaceae (Cucumber family)
Genus	Cucumis L. (Melon)
Species	Cucumis metuliferus E. Mey. ex Naud. (African horned cucumber)
Synonyms	Cucumis L. Cucumis metuliferus E. Mey Cucumis metuliferus E.Mey. ex Naudin Cucumis metuliferus E.Mey. ex Schrad. Cucumis metuliferus Naudin

Nutritional Value

the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:

Horned melon (**Cucumis metuliferus**), ripe, raw, Nutrition value per 100 g.
Principle	Nutrient Value	% of RDA
Energy	44 Kcal	2.2%
Carbohydrates	7.56 g	5.8%
Protein	1.78 g	3%
Total Fat	1.26 g	6%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Vitamins
Folates	3 μg	<1%
Niacin	0.565 mg	3.5%
Pantothenic acid	0.183 mg	3.5%
Pyridoxine	0.063 mg	5%
Riboflavin	0.015 mg	1%
Thiamin	0.025 mg	2%
Vitamin-A	147 IU	5%
Vitamin-C	5.3 mg	9%
Electrolytes
Sodium	2 mg	<1%
Potassium	123 mg	2.6%
Minerals
Calcium	13 mg	1.3%
Copper	0.020 mg	2.5%
Iron	1.13 mg	14%
Magnesium	40 mg	10%
Manganese	0.039 mg	1.5%
Phosphorus	37 mg	5%
Zinc	0.48 mg	4%

Health benefits of Horned melon (kiwano)

Horned melons are low-calorie fruits. 100 grams of fresh fruit composes just 44 calories. Nonetheless, this tropical melon is endowed with health benefiting phytonutrients, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
The antioxidants present in Kiwanis have scientifically proven to be infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory, skin-protective, and may help prevent cancers.
Fresh melons carry a good amount of phenolic compounds such as β-carotene, and zeaxanthin.
Zeaxanthin helps protect the retina from the “age-related macular related macular disease” (ARMD) by filtering harmful ultra-violet rays, especially in older adults.
Further, kiwano carries 143 IU/100 g of vitamin-A. Together with pigment compounds, vitamin A plays an antioxidant and takes part in night-vision, maintenance of healthy mucosa and skin, and bones. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids is known to help protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Fresh kiwano fruit contains 5.3 mg (9% of DV) of vitamin C. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals.
Fresh Horned melon is a modest source of potassium and other electrolytes. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure caused by sodium.
100 g of fresh fruit provides 1.1.3 mg (14% DV) of iron and 40 mg (10% DV) of magnesium. It is also a good source of minerals like phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and other trace elements.
Further, they carry average levels of vital B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, folic acid, riboflavin, and pantothenic acids.

Selection and storage

Fresh kiwano can be found year-round in some African regions of Malawi and Nigeria. In the US markets, however, their availability is still limited to big cities supermarkets.

Buy firm these melons with deep, bright yellow-orange skin and intact horns over the surface.

Avoid soft, and those with blemishes or soft spots on the skin. Kiwano, like bananas, is rare fruit that are susceptible to chill injuries.

Kiwanis have a very long shelf life and store well when kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3-6 months. Do not refrigerate.

Take care while handling sharply spiked melons as they may inflict stabbing injury on hands.

Preparation and serving methods

At home, wash the fruit in cold running water and mop dry using a soft towel. To prepare, trim away top calyx and tips. Using a paring knife, cut the fruit in half lengthwise. Scoop seed-filled juicy pulp using a spoon. You can also cut it into slices or wedges to eat like a melon.

Serving methods:

Kiwano as is quite unappetizing because of its bland, neutral taste. Sprinkle some sugar, if desired.

tendon. সহজ বাংলা: মাংসপেশি/টেনডনে টান।" data-rx-term="strain" data-rx-definition="A strain is injury to a muscle or tendon. সহজ বাংলা: মাংসপেশি/টেনডনে টান।">Strain the fruit pulp for juice and spoon over ice cream or fruit salads as you do in passion fruit.

Safety profile

Being a member of cucurbitaceae, horned melons (Kiwanis) may compose triterpenoid compounds, particularly cucurbitacin-B. It may cause gastrointestinal disturbances like stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. stomach pain may be self-limiting.

Taste a spoonful of juicy pulp before eating the whole fruit to ensure that it is not from a bitter stock. If found; the whole fruit should be discarded.

From Where To Buy

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Made with Goodness: Vegan formula. Non-GMO Project Verified and USDA Certified Organic. No gluten, soy, corn, dairy or nuts. Plant-based caplets do not contain animal gelatin. From a family-owned company trusted since 1930.
Quality from Start to Finish: Produced in a cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified facility. Rigorously tested for identity, strength and safety so you can feel confident in the products you use each day.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Temperature chart and hydration assessment
CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first

If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story

Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician

A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests

Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse

If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

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