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Sweet cucumber in the organic vegetable garden. Permaculture in Galicia
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Also known as cachum, xachum, kachuma, melon cucumber, pear melon, Solanum Muricatum, fruit cucumber or tree melon, among others; Sweet cucumber is a perennial shrub native to the Andean region, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years for the good flavor and great aroma of its fruits. Currently there are attempts to introduce it in other countries such as New Zealand, Australia, USA, or Spain.
It develops well in temperate climates, preferably in areas near the sea. It is sensitive to frost and cold, and little resistant to diseases, so it is convenient to cut and replant annually, to ensure the species.
They favor loose and well-drained soils, but endures excess moisture and puddles.
It thrives well in poor soils, however with a good fertilizer, it will improve its production remarkably.
Although it adapts to diverse climatic and cultivation conditions, a good option is to plant it in a greenhouse, where it can grow up to 2 meters and will give us more abundant harvests.
Sweet cucumber generates adventitious roots in high humidity conditions, so it is very easy to reproduce by cuttings or small stakes. It can also be reproduced by seeds, although these have a low percentage of germination and give plants that are not homogeneous.
Herbaceous stem, although over time it is lignified, especially at its base; it is convenient to put trellis.
It has hermaphrodite flowers that appear in clusters, with white petals with purple streaks, they can be completely white or purple in their entirety.
Its fruit, about 10-15 cm., Is pale yellow (golden yellow) with purple streaks when ripe, although it varies. Due to the multitude of cultivable varieties, we can find rounded, ovoid or elongated fruits.
Its flavor is very peculiar: It tastes like melon. Refreshing, sweet. With a large percentage of water. An authentic delight, if we make sure it is well mature.
It is low in calories and has a high content of Vitamin C and Potassium. It also provides small amounts of Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamin A.
It can be consumed as fresh fruit or in salads, depending on the variety or state of maturity. Also in juices, desserts or more elaborate dishes.
The sweet cucumber produces large fruits compared to the reduced volume of the shrub, which is also quite compact, a further reason that makes it a very positive and interesting addition to our food forest.
Music:
"Bomber (Sting)" by Riot
"Hon Kyoku" by Doug Maxwell / Zac Zinger
"I'll follow" by Mochas (Epidemic Sound)
#permaculture #garden #ecological