Noticed this advertised in a newspaper today, and thought - coo, that woman
with the genetic manipulations is fast on her feet.

But, a Google suggests that the advertised plant is Solanum muricatum,
alias Pepino or melon pear, which I'd never heard of, but is apparently a
long-established Andean fruit.

Anyone tried a) eating or b) growing these?

I found a couple of sites that said :

" It is a very mild taste, slightly sweet - will probably be very popular
as a vegetable in salads or cooked in stews"

Which sounds a bit dull.

But
http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/kitch...itcouture.html
says:

Leaves up to 6 inches long and bears 3/4-inch, bright blue flowers and
oval, 5-inch, purple-striped yellow fruit, with a fine melon fragrance and
flavor.

and Future Foods says:

It bears large sweet fruits described as having the flavour of a ripe
melon with a hint of pear. Requires similar cultivation to tomatoes. Plants
can be increased by taking cuttings which root very easily.


Which sounds easy, attractive, and delicious.

So, what do you think? And greenhouse, or warm windowsill?

Victoria