Gherkin, West Indian gherkin

Cucumis anguria

Physical Characteristics

Cucumis anguria is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 2.4 m (7ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Probably originated in Tropical America but not known in a truly wild condition. Possibly a cultigen

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Fruit - raw, cooked or pickled[1, 2, 27, 46, 61]. A very agreeable cucumber flavour without any bitterness[183, K]. It can be used in salads or as part of a savoury dish. The fruit is frequently soaked in vinegar to make a pickle, it absorbs a large quantity of vinegar[183]. The fruit is up to 5cm long and 4cm wide[200]. Seed - raw. Rich in oil with a nutty flavour but very fiddly because it is rather small and covered with a fibrous seedcoat[57, 86, K]. Young leaves - cooked[177, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Vermifuge The seeds are vermifuge[7]. They are ground into a fine flour, then made into an emulsion with water and eaten. It is then necessary to take a purge in order to expel the tapeworms or other parasites from the body[7].

Known Hazards

The sprouting seed produces a toxic substance in its embryo[65].