Mexican sour gherkin
Melothria scabra

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family plant. The vines can be 3 m long. Male and female flowers are on the same plant. Flowers are small and yellow. The fruit are 2-3 cm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Central America (country/location of origin), Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The fruit are pickled and eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Cucamelon

Synonyms

Melothria costensis C. Jeffrey; and others