Tiny Watermelon Cucumbers

Tiny watermelon cucumbers

How do you eat cucamelons? Simply wash them and eat them whole. You can slice them too if you like. As with cucumbers and their relatives, they can be cooked, but they're generally used raw.

What is tiny watermelon called?

But these little fruits are so much more than cute. Also known as a mouse melon, the Mexican sour gherkin, or by its Spanish name, sandiita (little watermelon), a cucamelon is the fruit of the Melothria scabra vine and is about the size of a grape.

How do you eat cucamelons?

How to Eat Cucamelons

Eat them fresh from the garden. No need to remove the peel.
Pickle them. Eat on their own or add to sandwiches and wraps.
Use a whole one as an unexpected garnish in your favorite cocktail or lemonade.
Chop them up and add to salsas and salads for a bright flavor.
Cook them in a stir-fry.

What do cucamelons taste like?

It's a grape-sized fruit that grows on vines, also known as the Mexican sour gherkin or Melothria scabra. It looks like a baby watermelon outside – but more like a cucumber inside, as you can see in the picture above. It tastes like a cucumber, but a bit sweeter, maybe with a hint of lime – nothing like a watermelon.

Are cucamelons worth growing?

Very rarely, you might find cucamelons at the farmers' market, but they can fetch up to $20 a pound! The price alone makes it worth growing cucamelons for yourself. They're an easy crop; the vines are very productive, and they're rarely troubled by the many insects and diseases that plague cucumbers.

Do you have to peel a cucamelon?

However, unlike cukes, cucamelons don't need to be peeled, AND you can eat them whole, making them the perfect little treat picked fresh off the vine (no hacks nessecary).

Are cucamelons invasive?

Cucamelon vines need a trellis to grow. Without pruning, it can become invasive.

Why does my cucumber look like a watermelon?

Fruit of Melothria scabra. Cross a cucumber and a watermelon and what do you get? Probably nothing in real life but the small cucurbit Melothria scabra fits that bill. This herbaceous climber in the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae) is grown for its tiny edible fruit that looks just like a miniature striped watermelon.

Are mini watermelons good eating?

Most miniature watermelons are about the same size as a large cantaloupe. They are sweet and crisp and very juicy.

Do cucamelons come back every year?

Cucamelons are tender perennials which means, if you live in a warm climate they may continue to grow year after year from the same root stock. You can test this by insulating the area with mulch after the growing season.

How do you know when a cucamelon is ripe?

Cucamelons are ripe when the size of a large grape, or about 1 inch long. Harvest ripe cucamelons regularly as they can self-seed: harvesting regularly and picking up any dropped fruit will prevent unwanted cucamelon plants from emerging the following season.

Are cucamelons poisonous to dogs?

While there has research has been done on the suitability of feeding cucamelons to dogs; they are not known to be toxic to canines. Cucamelons contain powerful antioxidants, beta-carotene, and lycopene. They are also packed with other nutrients, including vitamins C, E, K, and potassium.

How do cucamelons grow in Canada?

Cucamelons grown in Canada can grow very large under the correct conditions. The main factors being fertilizer and watering. Watering once a day or thoroughly once every three days is important. The goal is no to allow the soil to dry out too much between watering because this will stunt the cucamelons growth.

Why are my cucamelons so bitter?

The inside is full of small, soft seeds. If cucamelons are left on the vine too long they can become more tough or bitter, so it's important to pick them in their prime! Cucamelons are excellent enjoyed fresh, and absolutely delicious pickled.

What can you not plant with cucamelons?

Plant cucumbers beside asparagus, beans, Brassicas, celery, corn, dill, kohlrabi, lettuce, onion, peas, radish, and tomatoes. Avoid planting near potatoes and sage.

How do you winterize cucamelon?

Store the pot in a cool, frost-free spot for winter; an unheated basement, a modestly heated garage, or a root cellar. Small-space and container gardeners who grow cucamelons in pots can also overwinter their plants. Just snip off the dead foliage and store the pot in a cool, frost-free area for winter.

Do cucamelons need a trellis?

Cucamelons don't take up nearly as much space as other vine vegetables, but it's still a good idea to grow them on a trellis or other support structure because it keeps the fruit off the ground where it can rot in humid weather. The vines are very tender and are easily injured.

How long does it take for cucamelons to produce fruit?

Cucamelons typically begin producing 65-75 days after transplanting. Harvest cucamelons when the fruits are the size of small grapes, firm, and bright green. Cucamelons left on the vine past their prime will soften and develop a yellow tint. Pick cucamelons often to encourage production.

How long do cucamelons last?

Store your fruits in the fridge where they'll be fine for up to about 10 days, and use them as a tasty addition to summer salads, interesting crudites, and for perking up sandwiches and wraps.

How big is a full grown cucamelon?

Cucamelons don't grow much larger than a grape, so don't wait for a cucumber-sized fruit to harvest. Cucamelon picking should be done when the fruits are not much more than an inch (2.5 cm.) in length and still firm to the touch.