Mexican Sour Gherkin | Cucamelon Garden Start

Our Experience with Mexican Sour Gherkin | Cucamelon

We grew Mexican Sour Gherkin this year and what a neat little cucumber? We'll be starting these guys along with our tomatoes about a month before we start all of our other squash. I can imagine a bowl of cherry tomatoes with these guys mixed in. It has the taste of cucumber in a bite-sized package.

This winter squash plant comes in a four inch pot hardened off to outside conditions and ready to be planted into a larger pot or in the ground. If it is still early May, we recommend up-potting to a gallon container for a couple of weeks until the weather warms up.

Overview of Mexican Sour Gherkin | Cucamelon from the Internet

The Mexican Sour Gherkin, also known as a cucamelon or mouse melon, is a unique vining plant that produces grape-sized fruits resembling miniature watermelons. Despite their appearance, these fruits are neither melons nor cucumbers, but belong to the species Melothria scabra. They have a crisp, crunchy texture and a distinct flavor that combines the fresh taste of cucumber with a tangy, sour note reminiscent of lime. The productive vines are delicate in appearance but grow vigorously, making them suitable for trellising. These small fruits are most often enjoyed fresh in salads, pickled, or used as a garnish in cocktails.