Cucamelon: size of a grape, looks like a watermelon, is actually a cucumber!
One of the best things about gardening, in my opinion, is that we can grow interesting fruit and vegetables that you wouldn’t usually find in the shops. Seeds are much easier to come by and with a little love, you can grow your own produce that is fun and new and allows you to experience different flavours.
Introducing…. the Cucamelon! I was in the garden centre, just having a look (buying everything) and saw a seed packet for cucamelons. I had never seen them before, knew nothing about the taste but thought they looked interesting and most importantly, why not.
For people who like to be a bit more knowledge before making purchases, here are some facts about cucamelons:
· Official name is Melothria Scabra
· Native to Mexico and Central America
· Said to be pest resistant
· Can be used exactly like regular cucumbers
· Sow in April – May and harvest from July to September
· Grow very well in the UK
I started my cucamelons inside, my seeds in propagators, waiting and watching. It took a couple of weeks and of course, every gardener knows the joy of seeing a little seedling emerge. They are very easy to grow. They need as much maintenance as cucumbers or courgettes and produce a lot of fruit. You don’t need to give them special treatment, no pruning, covering or special food. They are perfect for beginner gardeners.
These are vine plants, so they need something to hold and climb around and the tip I can give here is to give them enough space and expect them to take over whatever place you’ve allocated for them. I didn’t realise how quickly they grew and how strong those vines are and at the beginning I had a few sticks and smaller support structures. They quickly pulled those down and started reaching for neighbouring plants. So, then I put a solid frame around them and they happily clung and grew.
You’ll know when they are ready to pluck because they will come off the vine at a small touch. There’s no need for pulling or snapping, that means they are not ready. I think that they are a hint more bitter than regular cucumbers, but they can be used in exactly the same way. You can eat them raw, pickle them, grill them, throw them in a cocktail – entirely your choice. My favourite way to eat them is with a little salt and olive oil and a few leaves of lemon balm – a beautifully intense lemon flavoured herb.
If you are a beginner gardener who wants to try something that’s low maintenance or you just want to try something a bit different, I whole-heartedly recommend cucamelons. They will definitely start conversations at your garden party.
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