Saturday, August 20, 2016

Tiny cucamelons may be the world's cutest fruit

Source Website: http://www.soshiok.com/content/tiny-cucamelons-may-be-worlds-cutest-fruit
By SoShiok, huizhen@sph.com.sg, Friday, 19 August 2016


Cucamelons are not modified and have grown naturally in Mexico for centuries.
PHOTO: Cucamelons are not modified and have grown naturally in Mexico for centuries. Can be eaten straight from plant, tossed with olives or popped in a martini. It looks like a watermelon but is the size of a grape and tastes something like a cross between a cucumber and a lime.
Picture posted by Sean Poulter for the Daily Mail on 5 April 2016 at 23:35 GMT
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrst35aJ9M85q597h05Wc6JXRWVVMpm3F0hih1nA_jvR1lZ-pVF0WlGiokW64dffudwTGMWKI7iK9KtGSZanjOyQD4qCVwOeZbmQRp361mFMEDjkSpGfQhtrOf2nBTocbgZw2ybtYAzQ/s1600/2971569700000578-0-Cucamelon_plants_and_Indigo_Rose_tomato_plants_go_on_sale_in_50_-m-3_1459899190283.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/04/06/00/2971569700000578-0-Cucamelon_plants_and_Indigo_Rose_tomato_plants_go_on_sale_in_50_-m-3_1459899190283.jpg
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3525566/Waitrose-set-offer-new-grape-sized-fruit-called-cucamelon.html


SINGAPORE - It's a cucumber! It's a watermelon! It's... a cucamelon!

Social media have been awash with photos of a tiny fruit dubbed the cutest thing to be eaten this summer (in other countries that have four seasons, anyway).


Cucamelons (or mouse melons – Melothria scabra) are little melon shaped cucumbers.
PHOTO: Cucamelons (or mouse melons – Melothria scabra) are little melon shaped cucumbers. Very cute and very, very prolific.
Picture posted by The Witches Kitchen on 17 March 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SgCYTesyAbFHfBP-x9ig3yrdzSZIEQRNGBRDraFte5LYUzJbY4uwPvQtEeLqsRH04SDAOoeKrZb4FWxCeKt0PfrUn14iEs7XGKqcCEy3PfYSp7FOasSH2x_JxwMRTQjA1MQHLlrsEI4/s1600/curcumelons.jpg
http://witcheskitchen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/curcumelons.jpg
http://witcheskitchen.com.au/sorry-cucamelons-youve-gotta-go/


Resembling a cross between a cucumber and a watermelon, the grape-sized fruit is grown from a vine called Melothria scabra, which is native to Mexico and Central America.

It is said to taste more like a cucumber but with a tinge of sourness.


Cucamelon Bloody Mary Salad
PHOTO: Cucamelon Bloody Mary Salad
Picture posted by  Hazel on Sunday, 27 October 2013 at 16:23
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7LoqeEfkG-NnqZ6GNlPfqHL-PUOKJ7q0PQteB9pvAyDDZTTZxiFWFnp0ChnfXo0AHB9VgvRrY7-ZtR_5lRdA8A-SUP-r7HasToZSAPb52uDpiy_YqY4X71axu3XWYpxJGI3-Xj4VkUE/s1600/cIMG_4375c.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20wWA4tP03lfHnPTdzBwctyJEHgMTiB9yZgg4XdAkJC4Gf6QVa3J7ll1fxaqU3tVaZDtve64ZIaVHXtyigWVy1RJbQP22p-6wc7LgCDXoCz-XvofLw9FkSkhesyWyuHBbtWmyX00-hVQo/s400/cIMG_4375c.jpg
http://chickeninacherrysauce.blogspot.sg/2013/10/cucamelon-bloody-mary-salad.html


Other than being eaten on its own, skin and all, the cucamelon can also be added to salads and pickled. It is also used as a garnish to cocktails.

Melothria scabra seeds are available for sale in countries such as Australia and the US, as well as online.


Melothria scabra seeds are available for sale in countries such as Australia and the US, as well as online.
PHOTO: Melothria scabra seeds are available for sale in countries such as Australia and the US, as well as online.
Picture posted by BEEcycle
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9urALmK3SAUy_h8Z8Z5nLB_uZgRU9iUB7L-yArxr_tqsirIpBR7H9bF7qE8iCM3mVNoCrYDg77w2unhWqacLCTxN3D9ND-D2ui1vcHbpTvcNL_rs_k5USc1v90uGyNc2N6qV_UTh-gYo/s1600/original_grow-your-own-cucamelon-set.jpg
https://cdn.notonthehighstreet.com/system/product_images/images/001/682/759/original_grow-your-own-cucamelon-set.jpg
http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/beecycle/product/grow-your-own-cucamelon-set


Before you think about growing them in Singapore, be reminded that the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has guidelines for seeds brought into Singapore.

A phytosanitary certificate from the plant health authority in the country of origin or export is required and the seeds may be subject to post-entry inspection. A Phytosanitary Certificate is an official document issued by the plant protection organization of the exporting country to the plant protection organization of the importing country.


The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has guidelines for seeds brought into Singapore.
PHOTO: The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has guidelines for seeds brought into Singapore.
A phytosanitary certificate from the plant health authority in the country of origin or export is required and the seeds may be subject to post-entry inspection.
Picture posted by the Government of Ontario
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintpTPtmlHmu1JL2fWUtmcwOGi3O3-xYrdQNmba9lwg_77z9chJLNmB-JyHeRUBXXNYBfdS5iahDSz1yG-5baF8rT9_xC7E2nQosuC15qAR1QXDGdoOJgzISeZ-Q-EFdqZA2SKsC8Q_vw/s1600/mousef1_zoom.jpg
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/CropOp/images/crop_images/specialty-veg/cucurbits/mouse/mousef1_zoom.jpg
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/CropOp/en/spec_veg/cucurbits/mouse.html


There is also an import permit fee of $11 for each consignment of seeds imported.

More information can be found on the AVA's website, http://www.ava.gov.sg/explore-by-sections/plants/bringing-plants-in-and-out-of-singapore/bringing-plants-into-singapore.


Cucamelon (Melothria scabra) in Cross Section isolated on White
PHOTO: One of the annoying things about a regular cucumber is peeling and seeding it, no need with the cucamelon. Just cut it in half, put it in salad and there you go - instant food. They are perfect for little hands to pick and enjoy. A great fruit to add to a lunch box and a great way to get kids to eat healthy.
Picture posted by eBay Inc on 11 June 2014 at 01:36:02 PDT
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbr_AtBGF1thinsnpyXXnsXKnlXcgk0K4563yBwQMslsAxDVQTeu4QexCIo6muxOaG9gPjg_fVDFiQkwbOiREQQHDYiLIysaA6y57DuAqWCm9uhuwQLJVolxNM-JowFQvSMDjrs4KQXE/s1600/%2524_1.JPG
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTIyWDUzNQ==/z/MW4AAOSwfcVUIRNR/$_1.JPG
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FD1064-Cucamelon-Seeds-Mini-Watermelon-Miniature-Fruit-Home-Garden-Plant-10PCs-/131528938207


Initially there was just growth
PHOTO: Initially there was just growth, and a lot of it, but then tiny little yellow flowers just like those on cucumbers appeared, and finally I spotted some fruit dangling. Peripatetic plant, wandering from place to place.
And yes, they really do look like little tiny watermelons, pale green with a darker green stripe. Very elegant. Of course I couldn't resist crunching one straight off the vine. Definitely crunchy. Crunchy in a hard and skin stuck in my teeth kind of way. Undoubtedly cucumberish, but I just didn't get the sour lime hit. Maybe it was too small?
Picture posted by Stella in the Pyrenees on Thursday, 23 July 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GyHt6i8xTvJpx_MxukYDRXt2PTOJazvyvOvrejmmKtJtigg1izEEmgYQek-3gsJIDyXM2CIp5njZDGvbJFRftfXm3Cbg_LAc46amTseV6zI8dBeSwu6ny3243avFj-joVtoX-ZvtCAQ/s1600/cucamelon+climbing.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlXHwXR3ifpWOPA8KTqRX8ta6XqTcvZCJR2wBxFMvpXzVlFS75IPN7eO3pV5kkeicullXT9uDajmRCwFXaZ-4gX43pSbh_SXPIxAOKmSXxx5AsR8YpC42yXm638hdv550ktW-KPYGcoey/s1600/cucamelon+climbing.jpg
http://stella-in-the-pyrenees.blogspot.sg/2015/07/garden-cucamelon.html


You can protect with row covers or low tunnels.
PHOTO: You can protect with row covers or low tunnels. This will help plants mature quickly by providing an increase in heat that these plants enjoy. Please note that row covers will need to be removed once blossoms are set to enable ideal pollinating conditions.
Picture posted by Heidi Wood on Saturday, 14 May 2016 at 11:44 AM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYxn8rlQ9roo_aVrfrmV1IqHNzglhGKvXY314QJEK1A1CWxTNyr_-r22DGw6WNGeQzmokEWEU0aXUu0yP_nWQzcpoSxtuida5v696V2Aguwh_ThqlDJNeSB0B8D0_q7Cji4gFA-SNKI4/s1600/16194.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZDL28N1M2k_9ULnKHMD4BOY4Viy5r45Y1txNeST6eC16WbxpZ6hz-ufIIWNj-HibM8nHE3vi5UocYyDDfQekWh86IMqhsVVOT9wZavAGu_-GkfBFGAvwIRypJI_vcYu4rer6cO9R6T5T/s1600/16194.jpg
http://veseysseeds.blogspot.sg/2016/05/cucamelon.html


Asparagus pea
PHOTO: Cucamelon Bloody Mary Salad
Picture posted by Hazel (Blog - Chicken in a Cherry Sauce) on Sunday, 27 October 2013 at 16:23
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-H5KE1ZK_EapWwT8tOd9Gjbe1O32gqTq3Oj8VgkKzVJb9MboQ5XEXK1Y99gqFPRfHpny96a4p-o2pZ1tTMQ1OcgA7IBjjvtiwuilvGm8VJJje0OFFYGwJiP2iTUrkqFsNVjn2N6zw6A/s1600/cIMG_4387b.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9aqAckbfbeAAF_-sxucI7MH9bTW1cVdZTMosCyk4hM3qtbtrARTsBCkcc9WFHIgnjhmi1HoBmRaORqgHO3xQ_2hRHa6KxC686NgTIbnvROLVnP4bV-WcLAK6ELRrphWYDJR2uqzPuB49/s400/cIMG_4387b.jpg
http://chickeninacherrysauce.blogspot.sg/2013/10/cucamelon-bloody-mary-salad.html


The healing power of gardening

PHOTO: The healing power of gardening
Gardening is an instrument of grace. Anyone who gardens on a regular basis understands the healing power of getting your hands dirty and spending time with growing things.
Gardening (photo - Westcoast Wildlife, flickr creative commons)
Picture posted by May Sarton on 17 August 2012
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1htoCleOaq-RCRykJCwl1Q6DFD0XpBNx8R20oCaKLVAxVQUz85JpGFhR2Sl6vj5C_oQDhq3Tu__J8bJWAto_AhtHvPW0gZc3rlMNTVXalj1A8sLauEAfo7rE7PBCbo1o2KeNsgZY1eLE/s1600/6a0154363a7e57970c0176174afe56970c.jpg
http://sittingwithsorrow.typepad.com/.a/6a0154363a7e57970c0176174afe56970c-pi
http://sittingwithsorrow.typepad.com/sitting-with-sorrow/2012/08/the-healing-power-of-gardening-.html

By SoShiok, huizhen@sph.com.sg, Friday, 19 August 2016



Reference
at