Maxixe Cucumis anguria
Maxixe at the UMass Research Farm in early August (Photo by Maria Moreira)
This vegetable, very similar to cucumber (Cucumis sativus), is thought to have originated in Africa. It was at one time thought to be from the West Indies, which is why it is also known as West Indian gherkin. Bur cucumber is another name for this crop.
Maxixe is most popular in Northeastern Brazil. The variety sold by a major seed company in Brazil is called "Maxixe do norte" (Maxixe of the north in Portuguese). A survey of Brazilians in Massachusetts, estimated to be over 250,000 in 2004, found that less than 10% are from northeastern Brazil. When asked about maxixe as part of this survey, 30% did not know what is was.
It is used in salads and soups, and cooked with beef dishes.
Maxixe grown on plastic at the UMass Research Farm in late July. (Photo by Maria Moreira) |
Production
Grow maxixe using the same production practices as cucumbers. Refer to the The New England Vegetable Management Guide and click on "cucumber, muskmelon, and watermelon". In one planting in Massachusetts, striped cucumber damage was more severe than with other cucurbit species.
Maxixe and jiló for sale at a market in Salvador, Brazil. In this part of Brazil a popular dish called cozido will use maxixe and jiló alnong with other vegetables. (Photo by Frank Mangan) |
Seed Sources
Maxixe seed can be special ordered through Johnny's Selected Seeds
Nutrition Documents
Maxixe salad
Maxixe salad - Portuguese
