CUCUMBER-MOUSE MELON - GHERKIN

Melothria scabra CUCUMBER-MOUSE MELON-GHERKIN Also known as a Mexican Sour Gherkin, this cucumber relative produces an abundance of grape-sized fruit which resembles miniature watermelons rather than cucumbers. Native to Mexico & Central America. Despite their size, these little fruits have a delightful yet slightly sour cucumber flavor that varies depending on when picked. Younger fruits are more cucumber like with mature fruits becoming increasingly sour. Use raw added to salads whole or sliced & even to salsa sauces. May also be pickled as for other gherkins or chopped & cooked in a stir-fry. Grow as for cucumbers, preferably on a support. The mouse melon, however, is a delicate vine that is slow to establish but when growing strong can crop heavily. A crop will reduce in excessive summer heat or dryness, but usually improving again towards autumn as temperatures reduce. Place seeds on end blunted end pointing downwards in compost and simply push into compost out of sight. Water thoroughly to start then keep moist but not wet.