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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Grower
Caigua are small, spiky green fruits that grow along climbing vines. Immature fruits are 2 to 3 inches long, a darker green with fewer spikes and are very solid. Immature Caigua have edible seeds with a taste and texture very similar to cucumbers. When the small cucurbit matures, the black seeds harden and have a somewhat arrowhead-like shape. The mature Caigua is light green, roughly 4 to 6 inches long and around 2 to 3 inches wide. Known as the “stuffing cucumber,” the fruit becomes hollow, with the seeds forming around a central placenta much like bell peppers. The taste of a mature Caigua or Achocha is very similar to a bell pepper.
Caigua or Achocha is available throughout the fall months.
Cyclanthera pedata is the botanical name for Caigua, or Achocha, the cucumber relative and fellow member of the cucurbit family. This heavy producing fruit grows in the wilds of the tropics and is cultivated in Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Caigua is eaten both in its immature state as well as when it is mature. Young fruit is eaten fresh, out-of-hand much like a cucumber. It can be sliced and added to salads or sautéed and served alongside a main dish. Mature Achocha is typically stuffed like a pepper with meats, fish or cheeses and herbs; it can be sliced, fried, breaded and baked. It is juiced in Peru and added to high-nutrient juice mixes. The ancient cucurbit can be substituted for cooked green peppers and is a milder substitute for jalapenos in Jalapeno poppers. Caigua can be frozen, canned or dehydrated.
In Peru, a tea is made of the fruit and given as a medicinal remedy to those ailing from high cholesterol, diabetes, or gastrointestinal problems. Caigua is used as an anti-inflammatory, a diuretic, and analgesic, among others. The small fruits are boiled in milk and gargled for tonsillitis.
Caigua is said to be one of the lost crops of the Incas. It is native to Peru and Bolivia and the fruit appears in many traditional dishes from the area. Cyclanthera pedata is known in Spanish as Caigua or Caihua and Achocha in the indigenous Quechua language. The plant has a natural resistance to both disease and pests and is a heavy producer. Caigua is also more cold resistant than common cucumbers and grows in both the UK as well as the Northeastern US.
Recipes that include Caigua. One
is easiest,
three is harder.
People have shared Caigua using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
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Description/Taste
Caigua are small, spiky green fruits that grow along climbing vines. Immature fruits are 2 to 3 inches long, a darker green with fewer spikes and are very solid. Immature Caigua have edible seeds with a taste and texture very similar to cucumbers. When the small cucurbit matures, the black seeds harden and have a somewhat arrowhead-like shape. The mature Caigua is light green, roughly 4 to 6 inches long and around 2 to 3 inches wide. Known as the “stuffing cucumber,” the fruit becomes hollow, with the seeds forming around a central placenta much like bell peppers. The taste of a mature Caigua or Achocha is very similar to a bell pepper.
Seasons/Availability
Caigua or Achocha is available throughout the fall months.
Current Facts
Cyclanthera pedata is the botanical name for Caigua, or Achocha, the cucumber relative and fellow member of the cucurbit family. This heavy producing fruit grows in the wilds of the tropics and is cultivated in Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Applications
Caigua is eaten both in its immature state as well as when it is mature. Young fruit is eaten fresh, out-of-hand much like a cucumber. It can be sliced and added to salads or sautéed and served alongside a main dish. Mature Achocha is typically stuffed like a pepper with meats, fish or cheeses and herbs; it can be sliced, fried, breaded and baked. It is juiced in Peru and added to high-nutrient juice mixes. The ancient cucurbit can be substituted for cooked green peppers and is a milder substitute for jalapenos in Jalapeno poppers. Caigua can be frozen, canned or dehydrated.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Peru, a tea is made of the fruit and given as a medicinal remedy to those ailing from high cholesterol, diabetes, or gastrointestinal problems. Caigua is used as an anti-inflammatory, a diuretic, and analgesic, among others. The small fruits are boiled in milk and gargled for tonsillitis.
Geography/History
Caigua is said to be one of the lost crops of the Incas. It is native to Peru and Bolivia and the fruit appears in many traditional dishes from the area. Cyclanthera pedata is known in Spanish as Caigua or Caihua and Achocha in the indigenous Quechua language. The plant has a natural resistance to both disease and pests and is a heavy producer. Caigua is also more cold resistant than common cucumbers and grows in both the UK as well as the Northeastern US.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Caigua. One
is easiest,
three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Caigua using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Plaza Vea
Plaza Vea
Near Santiago de Surco, Cuzco, PeruAbout 51 days ago, 6/02/19 Sharer's comments : Caiguas are boiled and stuffed with some cooked ground beef onions olives raisins and boiled eggs making it delicious 
Centro de Ventas UNALM
Near La Victoria, Lima Region, PeruAbout 52 days ago, 6/01/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh Caigua in the university ! 
Wong
Wong’s Supermarket
Near Santiago de Surco, Cuzco, PeruMilflores Lima Peru About 55 days ago, 5/29/19 Sharer's comments : Caigua in the cucumber family are very popular in Peru! 
Wong
Wong Market
Near Santiago de Surco, Cuzco, PeruAbout 199 days ago, 1/05/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh caigua in season ! |
