Watermelon Gherkin Cucumber
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
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.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Watermelon Gherkin Cucumber. One
is easiest, three is harder.
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