Pepinos , scientifically classified as Solanum muricatum , belong to the Solanaceae family , usually jazz as the nightshade family unit , which includes relative like tomatoes ( Solanum lycopersicum ) , eggplants ( Solanum melongena ) , and Irish potato ( Solanum tuberosum ) . This evergreen plant shrub produces a berry — technically a fruit , not a vegetable — despite its cucumber - like name in Spanish ( “ pepino ” signify cucumber ) . It ’s a diploid mintage ( 2n = 24 ) and is typically circulate via cuttings rather than seeds , though prolific cum can produce offspring . Its penny-pinching kinship with other nightshades tie it to a rich lineage of edible crop .
Pepinos are native to the temperate Andean highlands of South America , traverse modern - Clarence Shepard Day Jr. Colombia , Peru , and Chile . While their exact wild ancestor remains unidentified — since they ’re not found in the wild — grounds intimate they were domesticated in this area long before European contact . The fruit ’s origins are bind to pre - Columbian Agriculture Department , with the Moche Valley in Peru mark for its early cultivation . Unlike many crop , pepinos lack a clear-cut wild progenitor , suggest at a complex domestication operation work by Andean husbandman .
Pepinos have a bass history in Andean culture , predating the Inca Empire , and were documented by Spanish chronicler in the 16th century as a coastal craw . The Moche people famously render them in their artistry , suggest both culinary and emblematical value . After European colonization , pepinos remained a regional staple in South America but did n’t scatter wide until the twentieth century , when New Zealand , Chile , and California began commercial-grade polish . Efforts to export them globally have been limited by their frail nature , though they ’ve make headway niche popularity in upscale market in Japan , Europe , and North America .
Pepino fruits variegate widely : they can be round , oval , or pear - influence , typically 5 - 15 cm long and 300 - 500 gramme in weight . Their hide ripens from green to yellow , orange , or majestic , often with purple stripe , and becomes smooth and shiny but sturdy when mature . The pulp is pallid to golden , blue , and succulent , with a texture blood-related to a pear or melon vine , incase a modest seed pit ( cum are edible but sparse in some cultivars ) . The flavor blends honeydew melon and cucumber — honeyed , mild , and refreshing — realise names like “ pepino dulce ” ( sweet cucumber ) or “ melon pear . ”
Pepinos thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 - 11 , opt strong , frost - barren climate with temperatures above 27 ° F ( -3 ° speed of light ) . They can tolerate brief cold snatch but may lose leaves below freeze . idealistic growing conditions mimic their Andean beginning : mild days ( 65 - 80 ° F or 18 - 27 ° C ) and cool Nox . In the U.S. , they ’re civilize in California and Hawaii , while New Zealand and Chile exploit similar temperate zones . They ’re often rise as annual outside these zones , though they ’re perennial by nature .
In their native region and warm climates , pepinos are useable year - round , with peak product from leap to fall ( March - November in the Northern Hemisphere ) . inflorescence occur August - October , with yield ripening September - November , mature 30 - 80 days after pollination . In temperate area like California , they ’re seasonal , while greenhouses broaden accessibility . Their fragility specify long - aloofness shipping , so fresh pepinos are mostly found near growing regions ; otherwise , they ’re uncommon in global market .
Pepinos shine in fresh preparations due to their meek , sweet look and juicy grain . They ’re often pare and eaten as a bite , sliced into fruit salad , or paired with citrus and chili pulverisation in South American recipes . Their melon vine - similar quality suits smoothie , sorbet , and desserts , while some cultivar with higher acidulousness oeuvre in savory salad or salsas . Though less common , they can be cook — light sautéed or added to soup — keep their delicate gustatory sensation . Their zero - wastefulness appeal ( fully comestible when good ) makes them a versatile , low - prep ingredient .
Cultivation of Pepinos Fruit
Climate Requirements
Pepinos thrive in modest , temperate climates with daytime temperatures of 65 - 80 ° F ( 18 - 27 ° atomic number 6 ) and cooler nights around 50 - 60 ° F ( 10 - 15 ° coke ) . They ’re sensitive to ice ( below 27 ° fluorine or -3 ° speed of light ) , making them ideal for USDA Zones 9 - 11 , though they can be mature as annuals in cool zones . High humidity aids development , but excessive warmth above 85 ° F ( 29 ° C ) can reduce fruit set .
Soil Preferences
Well - drained , fertile soil is essential , with a pH grasp of 6.0 - 7.0 . Pepinos prefer loamy or flaxen loam soils deep in constituent matter — compost or aged manure boosts alimentary levels . Poor drainage lead to root hogwash , so raise bed or flaxen mix are recommended in overweight stiff areas .
Site Selection
Choose a cheery location with at least 6 - 8 hour of direct sunshine daily , as pepinos are light - demanding for optimum fruiting . Shelter from solid winds is key , as their brittle limb snap easily . In hot climates , partial afternoon ghost can prevent heat tension .
Propagation Methods
Pepinos are typically distribute via stem cut ( 6 - 8 inch long ) taken from healthy plants , rooted in moist soil or H2O with rooting hormone . Seeds are workable but less mutual due to slow germination ( 2 - 4 calendar week ) and variable progeny traits . carving ensure eubstance and faster establishment .
Planting Time
Plant in springiness after the last frost , when ground temperatures reach 60 ° F ( 15 ° carbon ) , to further ascendant growth . In icing - free zones , year - daily round planting is possible , though spring or previous summer aligns with bloom fruiting seasons . Space works 2 - 3 foot asunder to reserve for sprawling growth .
lachrymation Needs
Consistent wet is critical — water deeply once or double every week , offer 1 - 2 inch ( 2.5 - 5 centimetre ) depend on rainfall . Avoid waterlogging ; the land should remain damp but not soggy . Drip irrigation works well , keeping foliage wry to reduce fungous risks .
Fertilization
utilise a balanced fertilizer ( e.g. , 10 - 10 - 10 NPK ) at planting , then side - wearing apparel with nitrogen - rich compost or 5 - 10 - 10 every 4 - 6 weeks during the growing season . Over - fertilizing with nitrogen can chair to excessive foliage at the expense of yield ; phosphorus and potassium support efflorescence and yield growth .
reinforcement and Pruning
Pepinos grow as sprawl shrubs or vines , arrive at 3 - 6 feet tall and all-inclusive . Staking , trellis , or cage prevents branches from breaking under fruit system of weights and keeps fruit off the terra firma . Prune lightly to remove dead or crowded stems , improving aura circulation and clean penetration .
Pollination
Pepinos are self - pollinating , with little , royal - starred flowers that do n’t require insect , though bees can enhance fruit set in outdoor options . In greenhouses , soft quivering of flora or paw - pollenation with a copse insure ordered yields , particularly if natural pollinators are scarce .
Pest and Disease Management
Common pests admit aphid , spider jot , and whiteflies — ascendence with insecticidal liquid ecstasy or neem oil . Diseases like powdery mildew ( humid stipulation ) or ancestor bunkum ( pitiful drainage ) can be foreclose with good flow of air , ironic foliage , and proper watering . insubordinate cultivar help in problem country .
growing Cycle
From planting , pepinos flower in 60 - 90 days , with fruit mature 30 - 80 twenty-four hours by and by , count on cultivar and climate . recurrent in fond zones , they grow for 2 - 3 years ; in cold areas , they ’re grown as annual . Fruiting vizor in late summer to fall ( September - November ) .
Harvesting
harvest time when fruits turn yellow , orange , or purple with dull skin — typically 4 - 6 months after planting . They should feel slightly steadfast yet yield to gentle pressure , with a sweet odour . Cut , do n’t pull , to avoid damaging plant ; unripe fruit mature off the vine if pluck unripened .
Post - Harvest Care
Pepinos entrepot at room temperature for 2 - 4 calendar week , or refrigerate at 45 - 50 ° F ( 7 - 10 ° C ) for up to 2 month , though chilling can tiresome flavor . Handle gently to avoid bruising , as their thin skin is delicate . In perennial setup , prune plants post - harvest to advance next season ’s growth .
