Pepino, melon nightshade , melon pear (Solanum muricatum) - these are various names for an extremely interesting, exotic plant from the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The unusual appearance and versatileuse of nightshademade pepino appear more and more often in our homes and gardens. We advise whatgrowing pepino in the gardenand at home looks like and how to eat this interesting fruit.
Pepino, melon nightshade - Solanum muricatum
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What does pepino, melon nightshade look like?
The homeland of melon nightshade is South AmericaIn Chile and Peru it is grown as a perennial, while in Poland, due to its lack of frost resistance, it is treated as an annual plant.
Quickly growing, creepingPepino shoots up to 1.5 m in lengthDecorative, dark green, lanceolate leaves of nightshade resemble tomato leaves.In summer, pepino bloomsblue-purple flowers similar to potato flowers, which in autumn turn into oval, tasty fruits. It is them that determine the decorative character of the plant.Nightshade melon fruitsare oblong, cream, with purple stripes. They can weigh up to 0.5 kg.
Pepino, melon nightshade - cultivation
Pepino can be grown in the groundor under cover, but due to high thermal requirements it is not easy to maintain. Thepepino is best for home growing , and as an ornament on balconies and terraces.
When undertakinggrowing melon nightshade , you should first of all take care of a sufficiently large pot, with a capacity of 30-40 liters, and strong supports. The plant produces up to 15 fruits, the weight of which can break the stems and overturn pots.
Pepino flowers, melon nightshade
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Melon nightshade seedsare sown in sheltered boxes in early spring. The production of seedlings takes about 4 weeks and young plants can be planted in a permanent place when the risk of frost has passed, i.e. after May 15.
You can trygrowing melon nightshade from sowing directly into the groundbut only in warm, sheltered and warmest regions of Poland.
Regular Pepino fertilization , as well as watering, trimming and weed removal will ensure lush growth and abundant fruiting.
Pepino fruits appear in Septemberand mature for up to 3 months.It is therefore necessary to move the pot with the plant inside, so that they can reach maturity.
Pepino, melon nightshade - application
In addition to the interesting taste,pepino fruits also have a he alth effectThey contain sugars, carotenoids, anthocyanins and flavonoids. They are rich in numerous mineral s alts (magnesium, potassium, calcium) and vitamins.
Nightshade fruits are usedsupporting the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and system diseases
First of all,pepino fruit is an attractive delicacyCan be eaten raw and as an addition to food.
Pepino fruit ripening in the greenhouse
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How to eat pepino?
Melon nightshade fruitbefore it is ripe it has a thin and delicate skin, and the texture of the flesh is firm and more vegetable-like than fruit-like.When eaten raw, it tastes like a cucumber and can be used as an ingredient in salads or as an addition to sandwiches. Unripe pepino can be boiled and stewed by adding to soups and stews, and cut into slices or cubes - steamed.
Ripe pepino fruit is sweetand tastes like a combination of pineapple, melon and lemon. They are suitable for eating raw or making preserves.Delicious jams and sauces are made from pepino .
Many spicy foods usethe sweetness of pepino fruitto emphasize or use as a counterbalance to warmer, spicier flavors. In Indian cuisine, pepino can appear in lentil dishes, sauces and meat dishes.Melon nightshade can be grilledand served with spicy and sweet side dishes. The sweetness of pepino emphasizes the taste of seafood. It can be used as an additive in many sauces and marinades. Below are the most interestingpepino fruit recipes
Ripe pepino fruit
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Grilled pepino with honey or ice cream- heat the grill or grill pan until very hot. Cut the Pepino in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Pat dry with a kitchen towel. Sprinkle a teaspoon of powdered sugar over the top edge of each half of the fruit. Put the fruit on a hot surface. Be careful as sugar can burn during caramelization. Grill for about 8 minutes. Remove to a platter and fill the well with liquid honey, maple syrup or ice cream.
Pepino with cottage cheese and nuts- diced pepino cover with a layer of creamy cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, sprinkle with the nuts and seeds of your choice and pour over the honey.
Delicious pepino salad with spinach- put washed, fresh spinach in a bowl. Put the diced pepino and crushed feta cheese. Add a dash of olive oil, lime, balsamic vinegar and a dash of fresh coarse ground black pepper.If you fancy something spicier, add a few anchovies and sprinkle with finely chopped green onions.
Pepino sauce :
Ingredients:
- 1kg of ripe pepino fruit
- 4 cups brown sugar
- 3 cups of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon s alt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Wash and coarsely chop the pepino. Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and simmer for 1 hour, stirring frequently. After cooling down, make everything in a blender, then pour into clean bottles and pasteurize.
Pepino fruit and vegetable saladIngredients:
- 2 cucumbers
- 1 pepino
- 1 sliced onion
- 2 red sweet peppers
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds
- 1.5 tablespoons of apple or grape vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 mandarin
- pinch of s alt
Dice vegetables and mix. Garnish with mandarin particles and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Pour over the sauce made of vinegar, olive oil, mint and pepper.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
