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Pepino – Exotic Nightshade Plant

The fist-sized pepino (also known as pear melon or melon pear) stands out because of its purple stripes on the yellow skin. In the middle of the fruit there are a number of small seeds that can be easily removed.

Origin

Ecuador, Colombia, France.

Taste

The yellow flesh is juicy, firm and tastes reminiscent of honeydew melons and pears. This sweet aroma unfolds optimally when the fruit is ripe and yields to a light finger pressure.

Use

Pepinos are best consumed as fresh fruit or as jam. Ripe fruits are delicious, but make sure not to eat the skin. However, the light, soft seeds can be eaten together with the pulp, e.g. B. by dividing and spooning out the Pepino. The sweet pulp becomes a real taste experience with a few dashes of lime juice. The aroma also goes perfectly with shrimp or raw ham. Pepinos can also be processed into delicious sweets and desserts.

Storage

Pepinos are best stored at room temperature. They will then stay fresh for about four to five days. They can be stored slightly refrigerated for up to seven weeks.

Is pepino a cucumber?

Despite its name, the pepino melon is not a melon at all. Pepino means “cucumber” in Spanish, but a pepino is not a cucumber either. It is the fruit of an evergreen plant that grows in South America and a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), like the tomato and the Irish potato.

What does pepino taste like?

The pepino (puh-PEE-noh) is a curiosity. It has a flavor that is reminiscent of the cantaloupe and the honeydew, a texture that is as crisp as a pear, a name that translates as cucumber from Spanish and an orange flesh with small edible seeds that resemble the papaya.

What is the benefit of pepino?

Pepinos are low calorie fruits endowed with health benefiting phyto-nutrients, dietary-fiber, minerals and vitamins. The antioxidants present in pepinos are scientifically found to be anti-inflammatory, skin-protective and may help prevent from cancers.

Can you eat pepino raw?

Despite the outer color of the Pepino Melon, the inner flesh will be orange to yellow in color. This fruit can be eaten raw, similar to an apple, consuming both the skin and the juicy inner flesh. Typically, the inner meat of the Pepino will contain edible soft seeds.

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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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