Cucumber 'Carosello Barattiere'
identification
description
Cucumber 'Carosello Di Polignano' (Cucumis melo), offered by Weston Seeds
?? A cucumber… which is actually a melon?! ??
The 'Carosello Di Polignano' is a surprising Italian heirloom variety , from the melon family ! Unlike classic cucumbers, this unique fruit has no thorns and a slightly fuzzy skin , reminiscent of its melon origins.
?? A taste that evolves with maturity! Harvested young, it is crunchy, juicy and without bitterness , perfect for salads. If left to mature , it develops a slightly sweet, mild flavor , with thin skin and marked ribs.
Features
Day to maturity: 63 to 68 days
Fruit size: 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6 inches)
Height: 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches)
Spacing between plants: 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 inches)
Exposure: Full sun
Sowing: Indoor/direct
Quantity per pack: nd
Cultivation method
'Carosello Di Polignano' cucumbers thrive in rich, well-warmed, sandy loam soil . Work the soil thoroughly with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 18°C ??(66°F) to ensure successful germination and avoid seed rot .
Sowing method:
?? Form hills 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) high and 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) in diameter .
?? Plant 6 to 8 seeds per hill , at a depth of 2 cm (3/4 inch) .
?? After germination, thin out to keep only 3 to 4 plants per hill .
?? Tip : Grow them on a trellis to save space and get more consistent fruit.
?? Watering and maintenance
Maintain constant humidity to avoid water stress, which can make the fruit slightly bitter. Protect young plants from late frosts and harvest them carefully with a sharp knife to avoid damaging the plants.
How to taste 'Carosello Di Polignano'?
?? Young (less than 10 cm) : Crunchy and refreshing, it can be eaten like a cucumber, in a salad, in tzatziki or simply plain with a squeeze of lemon.
?? Ripe (over 10 cm) : Its sweet flavor is reminiscent of melon, perfect for cheese platters ??, smoothies ?? or sweet and savory salads.
?? Marinated : Soaked in vinegar with aromatic herbs, it becomes an original alternative to classic pickles.
Why grow 'Carosello Di Polignano'?
?? A unique fruit-vegetable between cucumber and melon
?? Bitter-free and ultra-digestible
?? Ideal for hot and sunny climates
?? Versatile in the kitchen, from savory to sweet
Dare to be original and rediscover a forgotten Italian flavor with this exceptional cucumber-melon!
