Kiwano Salsa

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This is a beautiful kiwano salsa packed with both fruit and vegetables. The addition of the kiwona pulp is unusual and when garnished with a fresh wedge of the fruit and some fresh edible flowers, it is a showstopper. Be sure to try tortilla chips with kiwano salsa, kiwano guacamole & kiwano yogurt dip for a full-on kiwano experience! If you aren’t familiar with kiwano, let me answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

Testimonial

“Tried this today. I LOVED IT!!!! I will def. make this again ” ~ A.V.

Frequently asked questions and answers about kiwano

1: What is a kiwano?

Kiwano, is also known as horned melon or African horned cucumber. It is a fruit that originates from Africa and has a spiky orange or yellow outer skin with prominent horn-like protrusions. The inside is green and jelly-like and contains tons of edible seeds.

2: What does kiwano taste like?

Its flavor is often described as a combination of cucumber and kiwi, with a mildly sweet and slightly tart taste. It isn’t a strong flavor at all and works really well when mixed with other fruits and veggies like in this salasa.

3: How do you eat a kiwano?

To eat a kiwano, you simply cut it in half lengthwise and then scoop out the inner flesh and seeds with a spoon. You can also slice it into wedges and eat the flesh directly like you would with a sliced orange, or use it as a unique garnish for your recipes or drinks. Be sure to check out my Kiwano Cocktail where I do use a piece of the fruit as a garnish.

4: Is kiwano nutritionally beneficial?

Yes, a kiwano is nutritious. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. Additionally, it contains dietary fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet. Like all fruit and veggies, it is great to get into your diet.

5: Where can you buy kiwano?

Kiwano is often available in specialty or ethnic grocery stores, as well as some larger supermarkets, especially in regions with diverse food offerings. I am able to find it Sprouts Markets and sometimes at Whole Foods.

How to make kiwano salsa

To get started on this dish, gather all your ingredients and prep the veggies. Chop your tomatoes, pineapple, jalapeno, red onion, green onions and bell peppers. Extract your pomegranate seeds from the fruit and scoop the kiwano flesh into a bowl.

Add all the fruit and vegetables to the same bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over the mix and add some salt and pepper to the mix and toss to coat. Refrigerate for one hour.

When it is time to serve, top with the lime zest, some flaky salt (Maldon is a favorite), a wedge of kiwano and fresh edible flowers (if using).

This is perfect served with tortilla chips or on top of fish and poultry. It makes a great topping on tacos too. Give this fruit a try for something new.