Achocha (Cyclanthera pedata)

Achocha is a cucumber relative from the Andes. The small-fruited variety, 'Fat baby' is probably the hardiest and will grow vigorously outdoors even in cool wet UK summers. Fruits are produced abundantly over a period of a few weeks, late summer to autumn, and have a taste quite like green peppers when cooked. They can also be eaten raw when young, when the taste is more reminiscent of cucumbers. Larger fruits can be stuffed and baked (they are very easy to prepare) or, after removing seeds, sliced and cooked in a similar manner to peppers (slice them laterally, as this cuts across the fibres which grow along the length of the fruit and can sometimes be a little touch in older ones).

Grow as cucumbers or squashes: sow seeds indoors or in a greenhouse in individual small pots in April. Plant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed. Plants do best in soil with a lot of organic matter added. They are vigorous climbers and will need a trellis or net for support. Like cucumbers they will benefit from regular feeding. Not recommended for greenhouses as they will completely take over.
 
We have grown achocha in 30l pots of compost (two plants per pot) and they did very well, fruiting a little earlier and cropping heavier than those in the ground nearby.