We finally had a good soaking (if a bit overenthusiastic) rain last week, coming down in torrents as if the entire summer’s worth of rain decided to fall all at once. Puddles formed in our basement; a limb fell in the neighbor’s yard, nearly taking out our trio of mailboxes; and tomatoes nowhere near ripe split open from stem to blossom end. I was simultaneously thrilled with the rain and concerned that it was too much.
But then, I saw the cucamelons.* Monday morning I walked through the garden, taking note of what needed to be done, and when I glanced over at the cucamelon vines, not expecting much, I saw fat, ripe cucamelons ready to pick! I picked Monday. I picked again Wednesday. And there are more cucamelons waiting for me to pick tomorrow (Friday) morning. After I’d given up hope of a decent cucamelon harvest this year, here they are!
I can’t guarantee this will happen again, so if you love cucamelons or have been wanting to try them, come pick some up at the Broadway Community Market this Saturday morning. I will also have slicing cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapenos, zucchini, and garlic, as well as garlic salt and crocheted items.
See you at the market!
*If, like my neighbor, you’re asking, Cuca-what?, here’s a brief explanation. A cucamelon, also called a Mexican sour gherkin, is a tiny, bite-sized cucumber that looks like a miniature watermelon and tastes a bit like a pickle. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and snackable, and if you try one, you just might fall in love with this cute little vegetable.