The Jamaican Burr Gherkin

The Jamaican Burr Gherkin (Cucumis anguria) originates from West Africa and was introduced to Jamaica as a result of the 1500s slave trade. This true gherkin is not a baby pickle, but rather a tasty alternative to regular cucumbers. Once established, the vines and watermelon-shaped leaves grow very quickly. The spines or burrs are actually not that pokey and easy to bite into. The fruit has a flavor reminiscent of fresh clover while the texture and juiciness is rather pleasant. My opinion is that they are superior to American cucumbers and Mexican Sour Gherkins (Melothria scabra) they are far behind the flavor and texture of the Armenian or Carosello cucumbers (Cucumis melo variety flexuous or variety chate/adzur)