These rich, green and white striped melons resemble large cucumbers and grow up to 18" long. With thick white flesh, they are perfect for traditional pickling recipes like kazu-zuke or nara-zuke, a method that's been used for over a thousand years.
To grow, this melon requires a warm climate and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late spring or early summer after the last frost, in a sunny spot. Space mounds 3-5 feet apart and plant 2-3 seeds per mound. The vines can grow up to 10 feet long, and hand pollination may be needed. For best flavor, harvest before the skin turns white.
Ideal for pickling, these melons can also be enjoyed fresh or cooked. In Japan, they are pickled in kasu, a by-product of sake production, and known as shiru-kasu-zuke.