Where do cucamelons grow best?
Cucamelons are a native Latin American vegetable. They do best in warmer zones (US zones 9 and up). They are very easy to grow and extremely prolific, you will get hundreds of miniature Cucamelons off each plant from July to September to grace your salads or add to your favourite tipple (an ice and a slice of Cucamelon anyone?Cucamelons themselves are eaten in their entirety, including the seeds and the thin skins.Plant out after the last frost. Note: using paper pots allows you to plant them directly into the garden, paper pot and all, so the roots are intact and undisturbed. 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.Cucamelons originated in Mexico and Central America. The fruit, which is about the size of a grape, grows on a vine. They are sold at some farmer’s markets, but your best bet is to grow them yoursel.People with limited growing space can plant them in a large container on a deck or patio; just be sure to provide a tall trellis or garden netting for the vigorous vines to climb. Most of our cucamelons are eaten right out of the garden, but we also add them to salads and salsa, and pickle them.
Are cucamelons healthy to eat?
Nutritionally, cucamelons are low in calories but packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making them a healthy choice for snacking or adding to salads. This cucamelon pickles recipe uses an adorable, tiny melon that tastes like cucumbers. On their own, they are a bit dull, but they make very tasty pickles. They develop a really good flavor after about seven days and will keep up to one month in the fridge.Cucamelons have a mild lemony zing when harvested young, when they are the size of large grapes. Larger, older fruits can be used for pickles. Pick cucamelons at least every other day, and refrigerate fruits after harvesting. Fruits with hard seeds inside are overripe.
How long do cucamelons take to fruit?
Once you’ve got your cucamelon plants in the garden, they are easy to grow. They take 60 to 75 days to reach maturity. The plants are monoecious, which means they will produce both male and female flowers on the same plant. Bees and other insects will move from flower to flower to pollinate them for fruit production. Harvest the fruits when they are about the size of a large grape but still firm to touch. Simply twist or cut the fruits from the vine, being careful not to damage the plants. Avoid letting cucamelons ripen too much on the vine as they can lose their crisp texture.
Can you eat cucamelon raw?
Cucamelons have a unique crunch and a cucumber- like, slightly tangy flavor, which makes them great for eating raw, for making quick pickles in the refrigerator, as an additive for salsa or salads, or even as a garnish for drinks. Cucamelons are usually direct-sown into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Cucamelons are often referred to as a superfood due to their high nutritional value and health benefits. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, lycopene and beta-carotene.