Proud to be a Sikkimese: Sikkim Travel, Culture & Local Heritage

Cucumis metuliferus, orginally from Africa is consumed for juice and salad. The pecuilarity of this species lies inside the friut as it contains large numbers of seeds. This fruit is more popular for its horn and is also known as African horned cucumber.   This particular species was collected from Khamdong-Singtam.

Ever heard of " Sikkim Cucumber "? To my little knowledge, I have very little heard about it. Well to my surprise, there seems to be a cucumber species in our locality that is known to the other parts of the world as "Sikkim Cucumber" or more efficiently " Concombre Apple Sikkim ". It is said to have an orange-red skin colour. It is said that "Sikkim Cucumber is not a hybrid, but an ancient variety which grows in Sikkim State in India . Protected by hard skin, it can easily be stored safely for months! It is comparatively small, never reaching more than 10 cm/4 inches. Its skin makes for a beautiful design and is a popular ornamental plant in Europe. But it is edible. Its taste is soft and void of acidity. It can be eaten raw or cooked. It certainly seems very popular in the Indian Himalayas . It can actually be prepared in as many dishes as usual green cucumbers." Never knew that one of my favourite Karkra had its ancient connection with S...