pepino
/pɛˈpiːnəʊ
/noun (plural pepinos)
A spiny plant of the nightshade family, with edible purple-streaked yellow fruit, native to the Andes.
- Solanum muricatum, family Solanaceae.
- Pepinos are high in potassium and are full of vitamin A, B and C.
- Popular in New Zealand, the pepino is becoming common in some United States markets.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Spanish, literally 'cucumber' (because of the elongated shape of the fruit).