This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
Published on August 13, 2019, Kenyans have suddenly developed a taste for the horned melon, a fruit that was previously unknown to many households.
The fruit's popularity is on the rise, with some even comparing it to the highly sought-after avocado.
But what's behind the sudden surge in demand? Many Kenyans are linking the fruit to its supposed health benefits, particularly its ability to prevent cancer.
However, there is no known scientific research to back up these claims, and experts have not endorsed the fruit as a cancer preventative.
On social media, people are sharing their experiences and opinions about the fruit, with some expressing skepticism about its supposed health benefits.
“With the scare of cancer, this fruit and many more, will be in the making of the next pyramid scheme of things,” said Fred Aminga on Facebook.
Others are more optimistic, with some even suggesting that the fruit could be a lucrative business opportunity.
“Let the Kenyans who can make money from the fruit and others do so. They coffee is harvested when it’s ripe,” stated Samuel Kinyanjui.
This is not the first time that a fruit has become a multi-million agribusiness boom in Kenya. In 2014, quail birds and their eggs experienced a similar rush, with some claiming that the eggs could cure a number of ailments.
However, the quail egg business later turned out to be a fool’s gold, and it remains to be seen whether the horned melon will follow a similar path.
