 The leathery skin is reddish (rarely orange or yellow), and covered with fleshy pliable spines, hence the name, which means 'hairs'.Furthermore, the spines (also known as spinterns) contribute to the transpiration of the fruit, which can affect the fruit's quality.The fruit flesh, which is actually the aril, is translucent, whitish or very pale pink, with a sweet, mildly acidic flavor very reminiscent of grapes.