Africa Day is celebrated every year on 25 May. It is an opportunity to celebrate African diversity and success, and to highlight the cultural and economic potential that exists on the African continent.
Africa Day celebrations acknowledge the progress that Africans have made while reflecting upon the common challenges we face in a global , regional and local context.
Ahead of Africa Day 2022, Mnandi shared, 'Who has tried our indigenous African horned cucumber? Today, we celebrate this abundant food that grows prolifically, with little input and is indigenous to our region.
Cucumis metuliferus is also called horned melon, spiked melon, jelly melon or Kiwano.
It is an annual plant that can produce up to 100 fruits on a single vine. It can be eaten at any stage – the leaves and tendrils are delicious, the young fruit tastes cross between cucumber and courgette, and as it ripens to orange it tastes more like melon. Slice and nibble on the juicy flesh and edible seeds or scoop the flesh out of the shell with a spoon to add to salads. A jelly can be made by boiling, straining, and then boiling the pulp again with a cup of sugar. It is also very tasty pickled.'
Find a copy of Mnandi, a taste of Mphophomeni (The recipe book that celebrates Mpophomeni gardeners and cooks.) here.
