Achocha (Cyclanthera pedata)

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

Acocha or Cyclanthera pedata is an herbaceous vine found in Central America. It usually grows up to 4.5 m and is commonly grown for its edible fruits. Young fruits are eaten raw while older fruits are cooked. The young shoots and leaves may also be eaten. Tea from seeds of acocha can be used as remedy for high blood pressure. Dried and powdered seeds are used in the treatment of intestinal parasites.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste to cucumbers though they are not crisp. — Young, immature fruits are eaten raw or cooked and have a similar taste to cucumbers though they are not crisp.; Older fruits are cooked, they can be stuffed in much the same way as marrows.; The fruit has a large cavity in which the seeds develop, and this can be filled with other foods to make kaywa dishes.; This may have inspired the local Spanish name pepino de rellenar ("stuffing cucumber").

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild condition. (Zone 9)