Oriental pickling melon, Tea melon
Cucumis melo var. conomon

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family herb. It grows each year from seed. It has tendrils and is a climber. The stem are angular. It has prickly hairs on the ridges. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are 8-11 cm long. They are broadly heart shaped with round lobes at the base. There are 3-5 lobes with sharp ends. There are be a few teeth along the edge. The flowers are yellow and male and female flowers are separate. Male flowers are in groups and female flowers occur singly. The fruit are 20-25 cm long. They are cucumber like with smooth skin. The flesh is greenish-white. There are several named cultivated varieties.

There are about 25 Cucumis species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical and tropical plant. It grows at low altitudes.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Fiji, Hawaii, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Nauru, North America, Pacific, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tuvalu, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw or cooked. They are also preserved or stuffed with minced meats, then cooked. They are often used in soups. The immature and mature fruits are made into pickles. The seeds can be roasted and eaten.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seeds. They are planted 1-2 cm deep. They can be transplanted when 10-15 cm tall.

Fruit are ready to harvest after 3-4 months.

Its other names

Local names

Chinese white cucumber, Hen-kekiri, Shiro-uri, Tsa gwa, Ts'it kwa, Uri, Vellarikkai, Yue gua

Synonyms

Cucumis melo subsp. conomon (Thunb.) Greb., nom. inval.; Cucumis melo var. utilissimus (Roxb.) Duthie & J. B. Fuller; Cucumis utilissimus Roxb.; Probably now Cucumis melo Conomon group;