Pepino Dulce

Solanum muricatum — Solanaceae

Italiano: Pepino dolce / Melone peruviano

Description

Pepino Dulce (Solanum muricatum) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is native to SouthAmerica. It thrives in Andean valleys, subtropical slopes, 1500-2700m environments across regions including SouthAmerica. Botanically, Pepino Dulce is andean melon-pear producing purple-striped or golden egg-shaped fruits with a mild sweet cucumber-melon flavor.. The edible parts include Fruits. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, August, July, June, May and September. Nutritionally, Pepino Dulce stands out for its Vitamin C (45.0mg, 50% DV), Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV) and Vitamin E (1.0mg, 7% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 5.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Pepino Dulce offers a Mild, sweet, cucumber-melon-honeydew, refreshing flavor profile. Wait until slightly soft; peel purple stripes; slice; eat raw. Common culinary applications include Fresh eating, Fruit salads, Juice, Desserts. Popular preparations include Peel skin; slice; eat in fruit salad with melon and mint. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Unripe fruit can be slightly toxic (solanine); eat only when fully colored and yielding. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Andean valleys, subtropical slopes, 1500-2700m across SouthAmerica.

🍳 Recipe: Peel skin; slice; eat in fruit salad with melon and mint

Preparation method: Wait until slightly soft; peel purple stripes; slice; eat raw
Flavor profile: Mild, sweet, cucumber-melon-honeydew, refreshing
Edible parts: Fruits

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

7/10
Toxicity: Unripe fruit can be slightly toxic (solanine); eat only when fully colored and yielding
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Fruits
Preparation: Wait until slightly soft; peel purple stripes; slice; eat raw
Flavor: Mild, sweet, cucumber-melon-honeydew, refreshing

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 5.0g
Vitamin C: 45.0mg (50%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 30.0mg (2%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Fresh eating, Fruit salads, Juice, Desserts Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Peel skin; slice; eat in fruit salad with melon and mint

Where It Grows

Continent: SouthAmerica
Regions: SouthAmerica
Habitat: Andean valleys, subtropical slopes, 1500-2700m
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References