Cucamelon is also known as the Mexican Sour Gherkin, mouse melon or “Sandiita” or little watermelon in Spanish.
Tiny, 1 x 1/2 in. light-green fruits with darker mottling look like watermelons for a doll house. The flesh is white, crisp, crunchy with a slight lemony tartness. The flavor is closer to a cucumber than a melon. One person described them as,"Cucumber with a bit of watermelon rind and a squeeze of lemon juice." It is said that the missing crunch can make people go off diets.
This tiny treasure can match the crunch of pretzels and chips. A conversation piece in the garden, or as an edible centerpiece at the table. The vine is attractive and productive enough for hanging baskets. They are terrific in stir-fries; can be pickled just like French gherkins, eaten raw in salads or put up like Polish dill pickles. They also can be chopped and added to salsas for extra texture and flavor.
Cilantro Freezer Pickles is a quick, easy and delicious recipe that highlights the flavors of fresh Cilantro and cucumber. Perfect for the Cucamelons!
Here is a short video from James Wong, an English botanist, BBC personality and "obsessive foodie grower" on the Cucamelon from Sutton's Seeds in England. On a side note, we provided the seeds to Sutton's for the initial grow-out!
I plan to grow them and taste them. I found the article quite interesting. They do look like small watermelons. I am very excited about growing and tasting them.
FL
Number One Cucumber for children and young at heart
This eyeball size cucumber is one of the most fascinating things Ive ever grown, and believe me. Ive grown it all... All the children in the neighboorhood take turns picking and eating the cucamelon strait off the vine, and there is plenty for the whole neighborhood. One of the annoying things about a regular cucumber is peeling and seeding it, no need with the cucamelon. Just cut it in half, put it in salad and wala-instant food! Super prolific, and animal resistant- believe me there are no squirrels stealing these grape sized cukes- and very tasty. A MUST grow for every gardener!
- V Biel, IL
a very different snack
Tastes mostly like cucumbers. Looks like miniature melons. Very surprising and unusual little fruit. Ideal for lunchboxes.
