Today we come to talk about another rather curious species that, although it looks like a fruit, it is completely another. Its about alficoz. His scientific name is Cucumis melo and the subspecies is cucumis melo flexuosus. Cucumber and melon belong to the genus Cucumis. And it is that it is this species, although it looks like a cucumber (or even a zucchini or similar) it is a melon.
Do you want to know all the secrets of alficoz to add them to your menus? Keep reading and you will discover everything 🙂
Key features
It is a fruit that is grown in regions with a Mediterranean climate. The ambient temperatures have to be temperate, since it does not support frost. It is cultivated in areas where the sun shines so that its growth is optimal.
In appearance it is very similar to cucumbers since they share their gender. Nevertheless, alficoz differs completely from cucumber in that it never tastes bitter not even if it is consumed with skin. To make it look good, alficoz is a variety of the melon species. The scientific name of melon is Cucumis melo and the one with the alficoz cucumis melo flexuosus. In contrast to this, although they share the same genus with cucumber, it does not do so in the species. The scientific name of cucumber is Cucumis sativus.
By belonging to the same gender, they share some characteristics in common. When the melon is not in full condition and its sugars are low, its flavor can be similar to that of cucumber.
The common name of the alficoz is snake melon. This is due to its elongated shape and similar to that of a snake, but inside we have a melon. There are also people who call it Armenian cucumber. It is known more in other countries and cultures and not so much in our country. However, it is a food that has a great history in Valencia.
Alficoz, fruit or vegetable?
It is normal to confuse this fruit when it has a light vegetable appearance. When a zucchini goes bad and begins to poach, it takes on a sugary appearance. The real reality is that the melon itself is a vegetable, since it is a garden plant from which the fruits are collected.
To give you an idea, a product that is collected from horticultural crops is a vegetable. Although only the fruit is consumed, it does not mean that it can be categorized as fruit. There are numerous species that we eat the fruit believing that they are fruits, but they are not. Among the horticultural crops from which we eat only the fruit we have peppers and aubergines (both belonging to the Solanaceae family) and cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, melons and watermelons (all of them belong to the Cucurbit family).
Surely, wherever you go, they consider melon and watermelon as a fruit. The reality is that they are vegetables. Considering the botanical origin, these are garden crops from which only the fruit is eaten. That doesn't turn cantaloupe and watermelon into fruit.
Health benefits of alficoz
The snake melon has numerous beneficial properties for our health. It can be noted the high content of ascorbic acid and vitamin B. It is also rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron and chlorine. For those who are in the process of gaining muscle mass or simply doing more exercise, this vegetable is ideal. This is due to its content of magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, which, although lower, are present.
You have a great contribution of vitamin C like oranges. This vitamin is of great importance for its antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects. This makes snake melon a good substitute for orange when it has finished its season.
As for the seeds, they are similar to those of melons and are rich in vegetable oils.
If you want to introduce alficoz into your diet, the best option is to eat it fresh. You just have to wash it and put it on the plate. It is also used to give salads great flavor or to make a good gazpacho without beating. For the hottest season in summer, a gazpacho with onion, tomato and alficoz is the healthiest and most refreshing.
Composition and properties
Among the properties of the snake melon we find some very important ones.
- It has a alkalizing capacity. This means that it is capable of neutralizing acids to improve digestion.
- It serves as cleansing food. Thanks to its properties, harmful substances can be eliminated from your body and thus combat some skin problems.
- Although its effect is not properly that of a laxative, it is advisable to use it to facilitate intestinal transit. This ability is acquired by its large amount of water and soluble fiber. It is highly recommended if you suffer from constipation.
- It is a good diuretic. The consumption of alficoz increases the urine, so it is ideal for people with fluid retention or kidney failure.
Needs and cultivation
Alficoz is grown in summer in areas with a Mediterranean climate. If you have an urban garden at home you can experience its cultivation. The ideal is to prepare it in direct sowing during the months of February to May. If the temperatures at that time are very low due to some winter frosts, it is advisable to wait.
Let us remember that this vegetable it does not withstand extreme temperatures. If, on the other hand, we want to sow it in a pot, it will be enough to place about three seeds for each pot. Once they grow up, we will only be left with the biggest and strongest. For its sowing the seeds will be placed about 3-4 centimeters from the substrate and it will be watered to maintain constant humidity until germination.
If we do it in the garden, we must leave about 50 centimeters between each plant so that they do not compete for food or territory. To avoid the appearance of possible pests and diseases, it is enough to maintain the crop with good ventilation, although without completely losing moisture and eliminate the surrounding weeds.
I hope that with this information you can learn more and grow this vegetable.