Is the thorny melon the answer to Africa's nutritional problems?
'Tunda nyanya' or 'chingoso' (due to its spiky nature) is the local name for the thorny fruit. A single creep can produce up to 30 fruits especially during warm seasons. The fruit reproduces after 28-45 days. It then takes two weeks to mature, and when picked not ripe, it takes two to three days to ripen. The profit she makes is more than what she used to earn as a primary school teacher.
"The fruit is easy to farm since it does not require the use of fertiliser, it is pest resistant and animals cannot eat it due to its spiky nature. One can use cow dung to add nutrients to the soil where it is grown," he says. Luvai says the thorny melon can be eaten young, mature green or when ripe (bright yellow or orange), "the brighter the orange, the riper and sweeter the fruit". The fruit can also be used in cooking. Luvai says the fruit should be stored at room temperature for about 10 days.
Plans are underway to introduce the thorny melon to the farmers, with the possibility of introducing it to be grown in green houses. This is because most parts of Uganda do not favour the fruit.
The thorny melon has many nutritional values and gastronomical uses. According to Dr Kichwen, the horned melon is primarily a good source of vitamin C, potassium and iron. The yellowish-green coloured pigment found in the seeds and pulps of horned melon contain vitamin A (beta carotene), which helps in strengthening of the body's immune system and it also helps repair and protect DNA, thereby slowing the ageing process. Vitamin A also helps to maintain eye and skin health. Additional minerals that are less abundant in thorn melon are magnesium, phosphorous, calcium and sodium. Furthermore, the seeds contain a number of fatty acids including linoleic acid which is one of the omega 6 fatty acid.
In addition, the seeds contain some traces of vitamin E responsible for healthy skin and proper functioning of the heart as the vitamin helps to neutralise, damaging free radicals that can cause cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The vitamin further helps in formation and strengthening of muscles, nerves, and boosts formation of the red blood cells. A research by the World Health Organization identified the thorny melon as highly nutritious, which could provide the necessary nutrients and micro nutrients in order to combat deficiencies and nutritional diseases that affect Africa and other regions of the developing world.
Moreover, since the majority of people on the African continent live below the poverty line, and are not able to acquire the necessary nutrients and supplements, it will be cheaper for them to get the nutrients from the thorny melon.
Luvai and Eronia hope that the thorny melon will be embraced by many and, eventually become a staple fruit not only in Kenya and Uganda, but in sub-Saharan Africa. This will help in boosting food security in Africa.
Source: allafrica.com
