Bay of Plenty-based Enzed Exotics expects an ample supply of high quality kiwano this season to meet growing international demand for sustainably-farmed exotic produce. 

In a release, the company said the first container of fruit for the season departed its packhouse for the U.S. on Jan. 19, with air freight expected to start this week.

Once in port in the U.S., the fruit - also known as the kiwano horned melon - is taken to a dedicated warehouse where each tray is quality checked for a final time before being shipped to customers.

The New Zealand grower has aspirations to ship up to 50,000 trays of fruit in 2018. Sales of the company’s fruit grew by 50% between 2015 and 2017.

Owner Vanessa Hutchings said exotic fruits like kiwano were helping grow the produce category by capturing the imagination of socially aware shoppers.

“Now is the time for the produce industry to really capitalise on the movement towards wellness and plant based eating. People are seeking out food that makes them feel good," Hutchings said.

"When a fruit is naturally grown like ours is, consumers have a double win - they are eating something that is full of nutrients, and has been farmed in a way that respects the earth," she said.

“We’re very excited about this season, and for the future. We’ve expanded our sales and marketing team recently, and we’re using our extra resources to explore new opportunities."

The company added it was currently in discussions with importers in the U.K., Canada and Hong Kong.

She said the kiwano coming off the fields was looking great after a very sunny and warm December with just a small amount of rain.

"Because it’s originally a desert fruit, it doesn’t much like the rain! December was ideal growing conditions to create a lush leaf cover to protect the fruit growing underneath," she said.

"A storm over the New Year damaged a very small number of fruit on the exterior of the canopy, however the main growth was protected and it’s looking beautiful."

For those who haven’t tried a kiwano, Hutchings said the fruit had a unique flavor with notes of banana, passion fruit and lime.

"Because it is not an overly sweet fruit it is really versatile, and is a great match for Asian and Mexican cuisines. You can mix Kiwano juice with fish sauce, lime juice and chili to make an amazing vinaigrette for Asian salads," she said.

"One of my favourite ways to eat it is simply to squeeze out the pulp and dollop it on top of some good quality vanilla ice cream. Adding some pulp is also a great way to add a twist to a classic gin and tonic."

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