Waitrose has added cucamelons – a fruit about the size of a grape that looks like a watermelon – in their vine form, as part of the its private label grow-your-own series.
The fruit, which goes through no genetic modifications and is native to Mexico, has a taste that is often described as a hybrid of lime and cucumber.
They began retailing today (6 April) at £4 for a pot of vines, and will be available in the majority of Waitrose supermarkets by the end of the month. They are also available as part of the three-for-£10 offer on grow-your-own SKUs.
The product is endorsed by botanist and science writer James Wong.
Victoria Mason, Waitrose outdoor plant buyer, commented, "We know that, after cooking, gardening is our customers’ favourite hobby, so we wanted to introduce something a little bit out of the ordinary that they can grow and enjoy.
"This fun fruit is easy to grow so is the perfect plant for all ages to try their hand at gardening. The new James Wong range shows you don’t have to stick with the traditional when growing your own vegetables and offers some exciting new additions for our customers’ gardens."
Wong, who has significantly popularised the fruit, said, "The cucamelons can be eaten straight off the plant, or tossed with olives, slivers of pepper and a dousing of olive oil for a quirky snack with drinks – or even popped in a martini."
© 2015 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Peter Donnelly. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
