Mouse Melon

This tiny cucurbit was my favorite edible plant this year.
Mouse Melons (scientific name Melothria scabra) have many common names - Mexican Sour Gherkin, Mexican Miniature Watermelon, Cuka-Melon, Cuka-Nut, Sandita. I prefer Mouse Melon because the name is as cute as the fruit. Mouse Melons are an heirloom cucumber, originating from Mexico and Central America.  The fruits, which look exactly like a miniature watermelon, taste like a cucumber, but with a very lemony kick.  Almost like they are already pickled.
Despite it's delicate appearance our plant withstood a long heat wave without any babying, and produced a surprising amount of cucumbers.

Mouse Melon is a great choice if you are combining edible with ornamental plants in your garden. It is a very nice looking plant that trellises well and has small foliage that looks like a cross between squash and ivy leaves.