Cucamelon: 5 things to know about the cute fruit

A little-known fruit is making headlines this summer for its big flavor.
Here's what you need to know about cucamelons:

1. What is a cucamelon? According to the Huffington Post, the cucamelon is a fruit that looks like a tiny watermelon but tastes more like a lime-dipped cucumber. It's also known as Mexican sour gherkin, Mexican miniature watermelon, Mexican sour cucumber and mouse melon, BuzzFeed reports.


2. Where do cucamelons grow? Cucamelons originated in Mexico and Central America, BuzzFeed reports. The fruit, which is about the size of a grape, grows on a vine.

3. Where can I get them? They are sold at some farmer's markets, but your best bet is to grow them yourself, the Huffington Post reports. You can buy seeds online here.


4. How do I grow them? According to Home-Grown Revolution, you should "sow the seed from April to May indoors and plant out when all risk of frost is over." The vine will also need a support or trellis to grown on, SF Gate reports. Learn more here or here.


5. What's the best way to eat them? The Huffington Post recommends eating cucamelons straight from the vine, adding them to salads, pickling them or using them to garnish cocktails.


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