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Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers are tiny and oblong-shaped, measuring approximately 2 to 3 centimeters in length. About the size of a quarter, Watermelon Gherkins grow on climbing vines and resemble miniature watermelons. Their skin has a lime green background dotted with light green speckles arranged in vertical lines. This variety is firm yet smooth on the outside and when cut open, reveals a cucumber-like appearance. Their flesh is pale green, soft, and aqueous. It contains multiple chambers of succulent gel pockets encasing small, slippery white seeds. Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers have a scent similar to other cucumber varieties, as is their taste. This variety has a sweet, tangy flavor with notes of green melon. They become increasingly sour as the fruit matures.
Seasons/Availability
Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers are available from summer into fall.
Current Facts
Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers are botanically classified as Melothria scabra and derive from the Cucurbitaceae Family, which also contains squash, pumpkins, gourds, and watermelon. This variety is not technically a cucumber but is given this description because of its similar flavor and texture. They are an heirloom that’s often referred to as Little watermelon, Sandia de Raton, Cuka-nut, and in France, Concombre à Confire. This variety has increased in popularity thanks to home gardens and specialty restaurants that value their novel size, unique flavor, and high productivity. Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers are grown on vines and trellises, where they are easily gathered once they fall off when ripe.
Nutritional Value
Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers are a source of vitamins C, E, and K. These vitamins support immunity, collagen production, iron absorption, wound healing, blood clotting, and eye, heart, and bone health. This variety provides the body with lycopene, an antioxidant that improves blood sugar control and digestion as well as prevents free radical and UV ray damage. They contain fiber to further encourage digestion and blood sugar control and improve gut health. Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers are beneficial for electrolyte balance, muscle function, and nervous system function.
Applications
Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers can be used in both raw and cooked applications. The entire fruit, including the skin and seeds, is edible. This variety is popularly used to make pickles, particularly when they’ve matured and developed seeds. They can also be added to salad, salsa, lettuce wraps, gazpacho, or bruschetta for a unique texture and taste. This fruit may be juiced to add flavor to cocktails or used whole as a martini garnish. Watermelon Gherkins can be sautéed in olive oil and garlic and served as a vegetable side dish or tossed into a stir-fry. Watermelon Gherkins pair well with tomatoes, chilies, citrus, garlic, fennel, radish, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, pork belly, white fish, yogurt, mellow cheeses, vinegar, cilantro, basil, and mint. Watermelon Gherkins will keep up to ten days when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers have been a staple of Central American cuisine since pre-Columbian times. The melon's most common names in Spanish are Sandíta and Sandia de Raton, loosely translating to little watermelon or little mouse melon. This variety is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico, areas known for producing a variety of popular edible crops like cilantro, avocados, and lime. Vanilla is another food that was originally cultivated in subtropical Mexico by the Totonac people. They were the only country producing vanilla until Europeans found a way to grow it without pollination. Achiote is a peppery spice from the subtropical Yucatan region in the Gulf of Mexico. This spice is used to make rubs for meat and can easily lend its rich, earthy flavors to the crisp, tangy taste of Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers.
Geography/History
Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers are native to Mexico and Central America. They grow in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates with full sun exposure, preferring temperatures around 75 degrees to sprout. This variety grows wild in the thickets and forests of their native land but is also cultivated in gardens and greenhouses. Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers have grown in popularity since they were introduced as an open-pollinated heirloom in North America during the 2010s. Their trendy novelty size and resemblance to miniature watermelons have gained them acclaim, serving as a cornichon-like garnish for chefs interested in innovative ingredients. This variety may now be found in backyard gardens, farmers’ markets, and restaurants throughout Latin America and the United States.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers are tiny, oblong fruits that resemble miniature watermelons, measuring about 2 to 3 centimeters long. Covered in lime green skin with light green speckles, they house pale green, soft flesh with gel pockets and small seeds. Their flavor is sweet and tangy, with hints of green melon, though their sourness increases as they ripen further on climbing vines.
Specialty Produce
1929 hancock st sd ca 92110
6192953172 [email protected]
From "COLEMAN FAMILY FARMS"…..Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers are versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked, with their skin and seeds being edible. They are commonly pickled when mature, enhancing their flavor. These cucumbers make a great addition to salads, salsas, and dishes like bruschetta or stir-fries. They pair superbly with ingredients like tomatoes, citrus, garlic, pork belly, and mint. Refrigerated, Watermelon Gherkins last up to ten days, maintaining their unique texture and taste.
Coleman Family Farms
Mouse Melons aka Watermelon Gherkin Cucumbers From Coleman Family Farms In San Diego, California…..Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers, despite their name, aren't technically cucumbers but belong to the melon family Melothria scabra. These tiny fruits, also known as Sandia de Raton or Cuka-nut, are valued for their crisp texture and tangy flavor. Rich in vitamins C, E, and K, they support immunity, collagen production, and heart health. They also contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that aids digestion, blood sugar control, and protects against UV damage.
Specialty Produce
1929 hancock st sd ca 92110
6192953172 [email protected]
Watermelon Gherkin Cucumbers
from "COLEMAN FAMILY FARMS"
at Specialty Produce…..Watermelon Gherkin Cucumbers thrive in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates with full sunlight, ideally sprouting at temperatures around 75 degrees. Originally native to Mexico and Central America, they grew wild in forests and thickets before being cultivated. Since their introduction to North America in the 2010s as an open-pollinated heirloom, their tiny watermelon-like appearance has made them a favorite among chefs and gardeners alike.
Coleman Farm
Watermelon Fherkin Cucumber From Coleman Family Farms In Santa Monica, California…..Watermelon Gherkin Cucumbers: Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers have been a staple in Central American cuisine since pre-Columbian times. They are native to Mexico's tropical and subtropical regions, where other notable crops like cilantro, avocados, and lime also thrive. Known in Spanish as Sandíta or Sandia de Raton, their name translates to "little watermelon" or "little mouse melon."
Coleman Family Farms
Gherkin Watermelon Cucumbers from Coleman Family Farms…..Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers are tiny, oblong fruits resembling mini watermelons, measuring 2-3 centimeters in length. Their lime-green skin features light green speckles arranged in vertical lines. With a sweet, tangy flavor and hints of green melon, they grow increasingly sour as they mature. Inside, their pale green flesh contains gel-like chambers with slippery white seeds, offering a cucumber-like scent and texture.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Watermelon Gherkin Cucumbers from Coleman Family Farms…..Watermelon Gherkin Cucumbers are versatile and can be enjoyed raw or cooked, with their entire fruit being edible. They are great for pickling, adding to salads, salsas, or bruschettas, and enhance dishes like gazpacho or lettuce wraps. Their flavor pairs well with ingredients like tomatoes, chilies, citrus, and mellow cheeses. Stored in the refrigerator, they can stay fresh for up to ten days, making them a convenient addition to your kitchen.
Coleman Family Farms
Watermelon Cucumbers from Coleman Family Farms…..Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers, though not technically cucumbers, belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes squash, pumpkins, and watermelons. Known for their diminutive size and unique flavor, these heirlooms are rich in vitamins C, E, and K that promote immunity, bone health, and wound healing. They also contain lycopene and fiber, which aid digestion, blood sugar control, and provide protection against free radical and UV damage.
McGrath Family Farms
Watermelon Gherkin Cucumbers from McGrath Family Farms….Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers hail from Mexico and Central America, thriving in tropical and subtropical climates with full sun exposure and temperatures near 75 degrees. Known for their miniature watermelon-like appearance, they gained popularity as an heirloom variety in North America during the 2010s. Chefs use them as a cornichon-style garnish, and they are cultivated in gardens, greenhouses, and sold at farmers' markets.
Romeo Coleman
Carpenteria, CA
+18054317324 [email protected]
Watermelon Gherkin cucumbers are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico, where they have been part of Central American cuisine since pre-Columbian times. Known in Spanish as Sandíta or Sandia de Raton, meaning little watermelon or little mouse melon, their tangy flavor pairs well with earthy spices like achiote, which is a staple spice from Mexico's Yucatan region used to make savory meat rubs.
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