Cucamelons look like adorable tiny watermelonsplus theyre packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.
Check out how you’re free to grow your own cucamelons.
But these little fruits are so much more than cute.
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But despite the name, they’re not a hybrid of watermelons andcucumbers.
And while native to Central America, they caneasily be grownin most parts of the United States.
What Makes Cucamelons a Superfood?
Cucamelons are small but pack a healthful punch.
They are full of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and fiber, and are also low in calories.
The nutrients they provide can help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
How Can I Eat Them?
Cucamelons can be eaten raw right off the vine or used creatively.
With their sour flavor, cucamelons can be great additions to salsas, salads, and cocktails.
Try using cucamelons instead of regular cucumbers in ourEasy Half-Sour PicklesorBest Ever Dill Picklesrecipes.
So How Do I Grow Cucamelons?
Since cucamelons hail from Central America, they prefer climates with similar conditions.
They requirefull sunand hot weather and don’t do well at temperatures under 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
But you’ve got the option to still grow them even if your conditions aren’t ideal.
If you live in an area withhot daysand cool nights, plant your cucamelons incontainersrather than a garden bed.
The vines also thrive in greenhouse conditions.
But despite their need for warmer temps, cucamelons aren’t high-maintenance plants to grow.
Like many fruits and veggies, they like rich,well-drained soil.
If you start them in a container, you cantransplantthem into the ground after the danger ofovernight frost.
Water the plant well once a week, and increase to twice weekly in extremely hot weather.
Wherever they’re planted, give this vining plant atrellisor stake to climb.
Lay them out to dry and then keep them in an envelope orplastic container for future planting.
Once yourvinebegins to flower, the fruit will appear shortly after that.
Wait topick themuntil the fruits are about the size of a grape and firm to the touch.
Give them a try today!
