Miniature melons that taste like cucumber

T his extraordinary little fruit looks like a tiny watermelon and tastes like a cucumber, so it is no surprise then that it’s called a cucamelon.

And despite its exotic looks, it’s really easy to grow yourself.

Cucamelon plants will go on sale at Waitrose for the first time later this summer, so you can try them for yourself.

Also known as the ‘mouse melon’, the cucamelon is native to Mexico and Central America where it has been grown for centuries.

You can plant t it outside once the riskisk of frost has passedsed ( i. e. now), andnd unlike a cucum-- ber, it doesn’t need to grow in a greenhouse.

Pick the fruit when they’re firm and the size of grapes, and they should taste like cucumber r with a hint of lime — perfect to add interest to salads or even as a garnish for cocktails.l

Grown by suttons seeds in Yorkshire, the cucamelon plants will be solds as part of Waitrose’sWait James WongWo vegetable range,ra created byb the Kewtrained botanist and science writer.

James, who is also an ambassador for the royalr horticulturalc societyet and a fan of cucamelons,cuc says: ‘ the fruit can be eatene straight off ff theth plant,l or tossed with olives, slivers of pepper and a dousing of olive oil for a quirky snack with drinks.’ Victoria Mason, Waitrose’s plant buyer, says: ‘ We know that, after cooking, gardening is our customers’ favourite hobby, so we wanted to introduce something a little bit out of the ordinary.

‘ the cucamelons look like tiny watermelons, but have a distinctive cucumber and citrus flavour — perfect for a gin and tonic or as an unusual party nibble.’

Also in the James Wong vegetable plant range are indigo rose black tomatoes, which start life green but turn jet black as they ripen.

the tomatoes, which have a plummy flavour, are said by plant scientists to be ‘healthier’ than regular tomatoes because they contain anthocyanin, an antioxidant which provides the fruit’s dark colour and is believed to help fight diabetes and obesity. the same antioxidant is also found in blueberries.

indigo rose tomato plants go on sale tomorrow in 50 Waitrose branches. they will cost £4 a pot or buy three for £10 in the Waitrose mixand-match plant offer.