How to enjoy this fruit
A long, smooth, glossy fruit with a deep red rind. Inside is yellow-to-orange flesh with a central cavity of flat seeds.
Despite its name, this is a member of the gourd family. Eat the flesh, leaving the hard rind and seeds aside.
When it’s ready
Look for a well-developed colour and sweet aroma before cutting. The shell is naturally tough, so softness is not a useful main test. If the aroma is faint, keep the whole fruit indoors, away from direct sunlight, and check it again.
How to eat it
Wash the outside, then cut it carefully on a stable chopping board. The rind is tough. Remove the rind and central seeds, then slice the flesh. Enjoy chilled, or use it in juices, jams and desserts. The flavour is gently sweet and aromatic, with a melon-like character.
How to store it
Keep the whole, intact fruit in a cool, dry place indoors. Once cut, cover the flesh and refrigerate it; enjoy promptly.
