Snake melon native to Central Asia. The fruits of the Armenian cucumber (the second name of this unusual culture) are up to 50 cm in length and weighing up to 1 kg. White and green, straight and slightly curved fruits - juicy and slightly sweet. Young fruits to taste are more like the familiar cucumber. The plant got its second name “melon” not only for its size. Having reached maturity, the fruits acquire the taste and smell of melon. What is this miracle vegetable?
Armenian cucumber: description
The plant belongs to the genus Cucumber, to the family Pumpkin. The shoots are long, like all melons, up to 4 m. The leaves resemble melon, in color - bright green. Fruits are slightly pubescent. The peculiarity of the Armenian cucumber is that there are practically no air cavities inside it. The pulp of a cucumber is juicy and dense, small seeds.
Early ripe culture (70-80 days). The yield of each plant is from 8.5 to 10 kg. Fruits to the very frosts. Suitable for growing both in open ground and in a greenhouse. To obtain even long fruits, it is advisable to use trellises or trellises. The variety is resistant to diseases and tolerates temperature extremes.
Properties of Armenian Cucumber
- Beneficial effect on the brain. Serpentine melon contains a special chemical compound - flavonoid fisetin. According to scientists, it stops the decline in memory and intelligence.
- Contains polyphenols (lignans), which help reduce the risk of developing breast, ovarian and prostate cancers, and phytonutrients (cucurbitacins), which also have anti-cancer properties.
- Cucumbers contain antioxidants and flavonoids, including well-known vitamin C, campferol, apigenin, luteolin. For example, campferol helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases.
- The Armenian cucumber contains B vitamins that help fight anxiety and help overcome the devastating effects of stress.
- Cucumbers are rich in two elements necessary for healthy digestion - water and fiber.
- Potassium helps lower systolic blood pressure.
- Fiber-rich, low-calorie (16 calories) cucumbers can help in the fight against excess weight.
Growing Armenian Cucumber
Seed preparation
Growing an Armenian cucumber is easy. For successful seed germination, fertile and light soil is sufficient. Seeds germinate at temperatures between 15 and 25 ° C. To obtain friendly seedlings, seeds must first be soaked. The first shoots appear in a week and a half.
Seedling planting
The optimal time for sowing seedlings is the end of April. The sowing depth is 5 cm, with this deepening, the seedlings develop many lateral lobes and grow squat and strong. In open ground, a plant is planted in the presence of 7 true leaves, around the end of May. Planting scheme - 0.5x1 m.
Care Features
The serpentine melon is unpretentious in leaving. Regular loosening of the soil and infrequent but plentiful irrigation are necessary. As top dressing, use organic, best liquid mullein. The alternation of fertilizing with manure and mineral fertilizers has a good effect on the development and growth of the plant. As protection against pests and diseases, onion and garlic infusions are effective.
Seed harvesting
Fully ripened fruits are selected for seeds. Place the seeds in a strainer and rinse thoroughly under running water. Then dry on a napkin. You can store the seeds in an ordinary paper envelope. Their germination remains up to 5 years.
Gardeners reviews
According to the reviews of gardeners growing this culture for more than one year, the Armenian cucumber has an unusual taste. Outwardly, the fruits resemble pubescent and slightly shriveled zucchini. It is better to collect fruits that have reached a size of 25-30 cm. To get a good harvest, carefully dig the soil and fertilize it with humus (about a bucket per 1 m 2 ) and sand (0.5 buckets / m 2 ).
Many gardeners share their experience in growing Armenian cucumbers in a seedling-free way - sowing seeds in open ground. The optimal date is the end of May. But before that, soak for a day the seeds in a solution of a growth stimulator. Cucumber diseases do not affect the plant, temperature changes practically do not affect fruiting. Unexpected for an exotic culture, but growing an Armenian cucumber is not a hassle.
How to use in cooking
Young Armenian cucumbers are not necessary to peel. Their thin skin makes them ideal for slicing and for fresh salads. The delicate taste of the serpentine melon allows it to become an ideal component in sandwiches and sushi. Fruits can be cut into length, width and cubes.
Serpent melon is good on the grill, mashed or pickled. The Armenian cucumber plant goes well with red and white fish, shellfish, chili and tomatoes, mint and oregano, yogurt, garlic, caraway seeds, chicken, pork and fresh cheeses. Fresh cucumbers are good and do not lose their taste when cooked.