Mexican Mini Cucumbers
Mexican mini cucumbers
Cucamelons are a type of cucumber native to Mexico and areas of Central America, more formally known as Mexican Sour Gherkins. The grape-size speckled cucumbers grow on sprawling but delicate, thin vines. They're also sometimes called “mouse melons”.
Are cucamelons poisonous?
These are edible when young and light green, but considered inedible (and possibly slightly toxic) when dark and fully mature.
Do Mexican cucumbers taste different?
Mexican cucumbers, which are also known as cucamelons, have a savory taste, exactly like traditional cucumbers but with a hint of tangy lemon flavor.
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 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 can you do with cucamelons?
With their sour flavor, cucamelons can be great additions to salsas, salads and cocktails. To use in salsas, we recommend adding them to our Chunky Tomato Salsa, swapping out standard cucumbers for cucamelons in a cucumber-based salsa, or using them in a delicious fruity-meets-spicy pineapple or mango-based salsa.
What does a cucamelon 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.
How big should cucamelons be before you pick them?
About a week after you see the first flowers, begin checking for ripe cucamelons. They tend to hide behind the foliage, so look closely. Once they're about an inch long, start picking. The sourness of the skin intensifies as the fruits age, so pick them young if you want to minimize the citrus bite.
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).
What are little tiny cucumbers called?
Mini Cucumbers typically grow to be 4-6 inches long, while Cocktail Cucumbers are half that size, measuring in at around 2 ½ inches long.
How do you know when cucamelons are 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.
What are tiny cucumbers called?
Gherkins. Gherkins are very small—sometimes not even two inches long. If you're looking for a cucumber to pickle, this is a great choice because they'll easily fit in a jar.
Can cucamelons be grown in pots?
You can grow one or two plants in a 5 to 7-gallon pot (12-14 inches container). A 24 inches pot is good for growing 3-4 cucamelon vines. Make sure that the container has sufficient drainage holes. Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter.
Are cucamelons invasive?
Cucamelon vines need a trellis to grow. Without pruning, it can become invasive.
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.
Are cucamelons a Superfood?
Cucamelons are part of the cucumber family, but they look like mini watermelons. These fruits are packed with nutrients, including powerful antioxidants. They are considered a superfood because of their many health benefits.
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 long do cucamelons last in fridge?
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.
Can cucamelons survive winter?
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. Come spring, the tubers can be removed from the pot and replanted in fresh containers.
How long do cucamelons last?
Harvested cucamelons will store for 5-7 days in the fridge.
Post a Comment for "Mexican Mini Cucumbers "