PEPINO MELON (CUCUMBER MELON)

Pepino Melon, also known as Cucumber Melon or Sweet Cucumber, is a small, oval-shaped fruit that belongs to the nightshade family. Its skin is smooth and usually a pale yellow or green color, sometimes with purple or yellow streaks. The flesh inside is crisp, juicy, and mildly sweet, with a subtle flavor that is a mix between cucumber and melon, hence its name.

Pepino Melon is typically eaten fresh, either sliced or scooped out. It is often added to fruit salads, smoothies, and juices, providing a refreshing and hydrating element. Its delicate sweetness also makes it a popular addition to desserts or a light snack on a hot day. The fruit is low in calories and contains good amounts of water, which makes it excellent for hydration, as well as providing vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants. It is native to the Andes Mountains in South America but is now grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is typically harvested when fully ripe, and its flavor is best when it has reached peak ripeness.