Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Seasons/Availability
Gherkin cucumbers are available summer into fall.
Current Facts
The Watermelon gherkin, scientific name Melothria scabra, is a thin delicate climbing and trailing vine grown for its edible fruit. It is an heirloom variety rediscovered, thus in an effort to popularize the fruit, several seed companies have coined new names, including Cucamelon, Sandia de Raton, Mouse melon, Mexican Sour gherkin, Cuka-nut and, in France, Concombre à Confire (preserving cucumber).
Description/Taste
Watermelon gherkins are thumbnail-sized, oblong-shaped and appropriately, have the appearance of a miniature watermelon. Their coloring a variegation of lime green and off white. The texture is crunchy, succulent and crisp with the flavor of cucumbers and tart citrus.
Applications
The Watermelon gherkin is perfectly suited to eat fresh, out of the hand. It makes incredible pickles and can be added to salsas for unique texture and flavor. You can also save the seeds from the ripest fruits and plant them again for future crops. Watermelon gherkins pair well with tomatoes, chiles, citrus, pickling spices, garlic, fennel, watermelon, honeydew melon, pork belly, roasted and grilled white fish, yogurt, young mellow cheeses, cilantro and mint.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The melon’s most common name in Spanish is “sandíta” (little watermelon). In Mexico and Central America, the Mexican gherkin fruit is often used in nonculinary ways, including in medicine.
Geography/History
There is quite a bit of argument as to where the Watermelon gherkin belongs by botanical classification, especially because its wild ancestors are native to Africa. Research, though, has found that it is native to Central and South America. The Watermelon gherkin has been a staple of Mexican and Central American diets since pre-Columbian times, hence it has collected several names in indigenous languages. The Watermelon gherkin is both drought and pest resistant, it is a vigorous grower, creating prolific yields and it reseeds itself freely. Fruits will simply fall off the vine when ripe.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Watermelon Gherkin Cucumber. One
is easiest, three is harder.
