Pepino is a "recent" discovery from Peru and Chile where it is often prepared more as a vegetable rather than a fruit. The potential for improvement by breeding has been explored by HortResearch with a wide range of forms currently being under evaluation. The plant is not known in the wild, and the details of it origin are not known.

The medium to large egg-shape fruit turns yellow with purple stripes when ripe. The pepino has a taste that is similar to a cucumber, cantaloupe, and a honeydew melon.

Habit - A small vigorous bush, that flowers during spring and summer and fruits heavily from December until the first frost.

Size - The pepino plant, is a small bush that resembles a tomato vine and which grows to approximately 1 metre in height and width.

Pollination - Self fertile.

Harvest - Summer through to late Autumn

Landscape Value

This plant would be ideal in a container on the deck where it will flower and fruit heavily. Alternatively plant in the garden where the flowers and fruit can be admired all spring/summer and autumn.

Nutritional Value

Fruit contains good levels of Vitamin c and fairly good levels of Vitamin A and folate.

How to Eat

Because pepino flesh is sweet and tasty, it provides a welcome addition to many desserts, side dishes, and health-conscious meals. Additionally, it is an interesting addition to many party fruit platters because of its unique, dual colour skin.