Wild Melon (Cucumis melo agrestis)

Family: Cucurbitaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Cucumis melo agrestis is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 1.5 m (5ft). 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in oil with a nutty flavour but very fiddly to use because the seed is small and covered with a fibrous coat. — A bitter flavour.; The ripe fruit can be eaten raw, whilst the immature fruits are cooked as a vegetable.; Rich in oil with a nutty flavour but very fiddly to use because the seed is small and covered with a fibrous coat.; The seed contains between 12.5 - 39.1% oil.

Habitat & North American Range

Naturalized in many areas of the world, though it is not known in a truly wild location. It is a weed of cultivated fields in Turkey, probably as an escape from gardens. (Zone 9)