Achocha as an alternative crop
How to take part 🔗
We would like to see how feasible it is to grow achocha as an outdoor UK crop as an alternative to produce that might be grown in a heated glasshouse or imported. Is it dependable everywhere in the UK? How do people rate its taste?
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Background 🔗
Achocha (Cyclanthera pedata) is a cucurbit crop thought to originate from South America. It is commonly found grown in the region ranging from Mexico to Bolivia in mountainous valleys up to a height of 2000 m. Achocha is best grown as a vertical vine and produces large numbers of small hollow fruits. They are commonly described as having the texture of a pepper and the taste of a cucumber. Younger fruits can be eaten raw whilst the older fruits are often cooked baked and stuffed with the seeds removed.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginners – some familiarity with growing vegetables |
| Timescale | April - November 2024 |
| Space required | 1.2 x 1.2 m and canes or trellis for plant to grow up |
| Materials needed | Small pots, compost and suitable indoor space to get plants started |
| Commitment | Growing 2 achocha plants – similar to growing courgettes |
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