4302 Horned Melon

"A fruit that's as unique as it is delicious"

A unique and exotic fruit with an unusual spiky exterior, the horned melon is native to Africa and has a spiky jelly-like pulp that surrounds a juicy interior

Also known as: Kiwano, blowfish fruit, spiky gourd

Botanical name: Cucumis metuliferus

Horned Melon illustration

Quick Facts

PLU Code

4302 (4-digit conventional)

Category & Size

FruitsKiwano (Horned Melon)All Sizes

Origin

Southern Africa

Storage Temperature

1-5°C (34-41°F)

Shelf Life

up to 30-40 days

Status

Approved

About Horned Melon

Rich in vitamin C and potassium, the horned melon has a distinctive taste and is often eaten raw or used in salads, smoothies, and desserts

Nutrition Information

Horned melon is a nutrient-rich fruit with a range of essential vitamins and minerals, here are its key nutrition facts per 100 grams of serving.

It contains energy of 144 kilojoules, 14.5 grams of carbohydrates, 1.6 grams of dietary fiber and 0.6 grams of protein. Horned melon has a low fat content of 0.1 grams.

As for the vitamins, it is rich in vitamin C and also contains other essential vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin K in smaller quantities. In terms of its mineral content, Horned melon is a good source of potassium, with 101 milligrams per 100 grams of serving. It also contains other essential minerals like phosphorus, magnesium and zinc in smaller quantities.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values of horned melon per 100 grams:

Energy 144 kilojoules

Fat 0.1 grams

Carbohydrates 14.5 grams

Fiber 1.6 grams

Protein 0.6 grams

Sodium 0.4 milligrams

Potassium 101 milligrams

Phosphorus 18 milligrams

Magnesium 10 milligrams

Zinc 0.3 milligrams

Vitamin A 15 milligrams

Vitamin C 7 milligrams

Vitamin E 0.1 milligrams

Vitamin K 0.2 micrograms

Storage & Handling

Cool and humid storage to prevent dehydration and spoilage

Optimal Storage Conditions:
Temperature: 1-5°C (34-41°F)
Humidity: 80-90%
Packaging: Pulp or foam tray to reduce bruising and moisture loss
Shelf Life: up to 30-40 days
Storage Notes: High temperature and moisture loss may cause loss of flavor, and bacterial soft rot.

Search PLU Codes

Tags
4302Horned MelonCucumis metuliferusAll SizesFruitsKiwano (Horned Melon)Approved
Commodity Details
Commodity Key:
kiwano-horned-melon
Variety:
Created:
December 1999
Last Updated:
December 2023
PLU Code Reference

4-digit codes: Conventionally grown produce

5-digit codes starting with 9: Organic produce

5-digit codes starting with 8: Originally intended for GMO (rarely used)


PLU codes streamline checkout processes, improve inventory management, and provide consistency across different stores. The system was developed by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS).