(C. melo var adzur) This selection was acquired from a landrace carosello variety provided to me by my friend, Giuseppe. Oval to cylindrical fruit light fruit is mildly crisp with a light green color accented with dark flecks. Released in 2023. Seed packet includes 24 seeds and growing instructions.
(C. melo) An exceptionally early gourmet oval to cylindrical heirloom cucumber-melon possessing an intensely dark color. Juicy crisp, yet slightly tender flesh is delicious and refreshing. Fruit set in clusters around the base of the vine and are perfect raw for snacking or as an addition to salads. While vines will grow in most climates, they produce exceptionally well in warm-hot climates. 24 Seeds.
(C. melo) A delicious light green oval to cylindrical cucumber-melon that exhibits furrows and fuzz. Abundant vines produce 3-6 inch fruits which can be harvested often when grown either outdoors or in the greenhouse. 24 Seeds.
What is a Carosello Barese Cucumber?
Imagine you are an tomato gardener and find out a friend is growing tomatoes. You ask them what kind they are growing and they say “Red”. To which you ask them to be more descriptive. They reply “round”. You ask “Can you be a little more descriptive – like what type are they?” to which they reply, “I am growing red round tomatoes”.
Though this hypothetical narrative is very simple, so is the name of the Carosello Barese cucumber. There are dozens of unique carosello cucumber varieties, many of which originate from the area around Barese and also share the name “Barese”. While this particular carosello cucumber may very well originate from Bari, Italy – the variability of the variety as well as the traits that it shares with some other carosello varieties would lead some to believe that it is not a particularly unique carosello variety at all. The Carosello Barese can be incredibly variable not only from one seed supplier to another, but from one grower to another. But what exactly is a Carosello Barese? Generally speaking, a Carosello Barese cucumber is an Italian Cucumis melo (variety chate or Adzhur) that has an oval to cylindrical fruit with light colored exterior. The flesh of this thin-skinned cucumber is tender yet crisp, bitter-free and easy on the digestion. Currently, I know of two different variations of this one variety.
The first type of Carosello Barese is very similar in appearance to the Mezzo Lungo Barese, except that it is not as hairy as the Mezzo Lungo Barese is. The outer skin is light in color and has some furrows spreading from end to the other along the long portion of the fruit. Unlike the Mezzo Lungo Barese, which is much more crispy, the flavor is much more like the Scopattizo Barese. The flesh is a little more tender and slightly more juicy than the Mezzo Lungo (or Medium Long) of Barese.
The second type of Carosello Barese that I know of is much more similar to the Carosello Bianco Leccese or, what I commonly refer to as the Light Carosello Leccese. This variety has thin tender skin and is has a relatively smooth cylindrical surface. However, the last Carosello Barese that I grew was much more variable in shape and growth (some growing bushy, while others grew longer vines) than the Bianco Leccese.
If you grow anywhere where heat is a concern or would just to grow a delicious cucumber for a change, you may want to consider growing the Carosello Barese cucumber. While not always the most consistent variety, they are often superior to many other cucumbers in taste, texture and quality.
So What exactly is a Carosello Cucumber?
Long before the regular Indian cucumber (Cucumis sativus) had swept through Europe, many varieties of immature fruit of muskmelon (Cucumis melo) thrived. After making their way up from Africa, these melon-cucumbers became the default cucumber for both the common people and the rulers. But perhaps because changes in politics or because of the practical demands of countries that prefer to utilize cucumbers for their storage qualities, Cucumis melo fell out of favor in almost all of the continent as the more cool-tolerant Cucumis sativus was introduced. While the majority of Europe had largely forgotten C. melo cucumbers, immature cucumbers continued to thrive in southern Italy. Small pockets of small-scale farmers continued to grow out these immature cucumber-melons for their families and to sell at market. In the Apulia region of Italy, this immature melon (Cucumis melo var. chate or adzhur) that is picked immature as a cucumber is known as a carosello. A carosello cucumber is a muskmelon that is picked early like a zucchini, yet consumed like a gourmet cucumber. With a fine crisp-yet-tender texture, rich flavor and exceptional quality, many carosello cucumbers are truly in a class of their own.
Carosello cucumbers come in many shapes from longer to cylindrical to oval to round. They range in color from nearly white to slightly mottled, to slightly dark to fully dark green. Carosello can also exhibit different patterns such as striped, mottled or solid coloring. Many have a unique texture to the flesh and a taste that was selected by the individual farmers where they originated. Each variety has its own unique qualities that make it worth enjoying.
Where did the Carosello cucumber get its name?
The name “Carosello” for these cucumbers came by Italian seed companies trying to label the seeds with a word that would be familiar with consumers. A friend of mine, Giuseppe Monteleone, who has a family history in the region where these cucumber-melons come from further explains: “In Italian the word “carosello” means the same as the English word “carousel” [meaning the amusement ride for children in which children ride around on a circle while listening to music from an organ]. In the case of the carosello cucumber, the most accepted explanation is that it comes from a local dialect word: “carusieddo” because the first place in Puglia in ancient times when “carusieddo” was first cultivated is Carosino, a small village close to Taranto. When seed companies decided to market “carusieddo”, they couldn’t write on seed packets a vernacular word, so they chose the closest Italian word to “carusieddo” as a sound: carosello, which doesn’t have anything to do with “carousel” in this case.”
How do you grow a Carosello Cucumber?
Begin by finding high quality seed and preparing the beds. As carosello cucumbers are fundamentally melons (Cucumis melo variety chate) they tend to grow like other vines in the muskmelon family. Melons thrive in the heat and enjoy soils rich soils that drain well. They can be sensitive to wet roots and should be grown in raised areas or hills in areas where there is abundant summer rainfall.
Germinating seed prior to planting can often save time, but be careful when handling seedlings as melons and cucumber have very delicate roots that are easily damaged and root shock will stunt plant growth. Plant seeds or seedlings in the soil when there is no longer any danger of frost. Vines prefer hot days and warm nights. While most carosello varieties produce their first crop of cucumbers when the vines are just over 12 inches in diameter, the roots will require more space as the vines grow.
Carosello grow like a zucchini, with the initial cluster of fruit in the crown of the vine and later flushes of fruit setting further on. Similar to zucchini, carosello cucumbers grow quickly and should be harvested often. Any Pick fruit when between 1-2 inches in diameter as the quality is often best when about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Round varieties are often best when picked at the size of a peach (3-5 inches in diameter) fuzz on the fruit can either be eaten or can be easily brushed off dry or under a little running water. The skin of most varieties is thin and tender, while the flesh can range from tender, yet crisp to very firm. The initial flavor and texture is similar to a Lebanese or English cucumber, while the aftertaste is often slightly sweet. Carosello cucumbers are often easier to digest than regular cucumbers and, unlike regular cucumbers, the fruit does not exhibit bitterness when the plant is stressed.
How do you save seed from Carosello Cucumbers?
Saving seed of carosello cucumber is very similar to saving seeds of regular Muskmelon because they are Cucumis melo and will easily cross with any other muskmelon, such as cantaloupe or honeydew – and many of the same rules apply. One way to recognize fruit that is beginning to produce seed is that the fruit will first grow very large, then stop growing – even when the plant continues to thrive. To determine seed ripeness, look for fruit that slips from the vine, has changed color, begins to smell very sweet or has become very soft. Once the fruit begins to decay, seed can be removed, rinsed and dried for growing the next generation. Without intentional selection, open-pollinated vegetable varieties often experience what is called “drift”. This means that without saving seed from fruit and plants that exhibit characteristic traits of the specific cultivar, the variety can noticeably change over the course of just a few generations.
Picture Sources:
BiodiverSO For the Biodiversity of the Horticultrual Species in Pugliga at biodiverbiodiversitapuglia.it
Carosello Pugliese Blog (Carosello Pugliese and other vegetables grown on the balcony) at: http://carosellopugliese.blogspot.com/
(C. Melo) An oval to cylindrical dark heirloom cucumber-melon exhibiting bands of light green splotching. Dense flesh is tender enough for fresh eating, yet crisp enough for pickling. 24 Seeds.
(C. melo) This gourmet cucumber variety is an ancient heirloom of cucumber-melon still cultivated near Gallipoli, Italy. Variations in vine and fruit length ensure long harvests of 4-6 inch cylindrical fruit with light flesh developing mottled dark bands exhibiting crisp, yet tender texture and superb flavor with a sweet aftertaste. Also called the Meloncella Fasciata. 24 Seeds.
(C. melo) A round early sweet productive cucumber-melon with dark green skin with blotching and light longitudinal furrows. Fruit skin is crisp with a white interior revealing a savory tender flesh that is bitter-free and does not cause indigestion as other cucumbers can. Growth habit is slightly bushy, with fruit setting about 1-2 feet down the stem. Seed packet includes 24 seeds and growing instructions.
(C. melo) An oval to round sweet cucumber-melon with very light green skin and deep longitudinal furrows. The juicy interior contains compact delicious bitter-free white flesh. Early abundant harvests are produced in the center of compact vines. Pick when baseball size while the fruit is still firm. Seed packets include 24 seeds and growing instructions.
(C. melo) AKA: Half Long of Polignano. Very early cucumber with light green cylindrical fruit, with ridging firm flesh and few seeds. Flesh is savory, crisp yet tender, bitter-free and does not cause indigestion as other cucumbers can. Fruit is covered with soft fuzz that is easily brushed off for enjoying raw or as an addition to salads. Perfect for all climates but grows exceptionally well in warm-hot climates. From the Polignano region of southern Italy. Seed packet includes 24 seeds and growing instructions.
(C. melo) AKA: Medium Long of Barese. A very early cucumber with light green cylindrical fruit, with ridging firm flesh and few seeds. Flesh is savory, crisp yet tender, bitter-free and does not cause indigestion as other cucumbers can. Fruit is covered with soft fuzz that is easily brushed off for enjoying raw or as an addition to salads. Perfect for all climates but grows exceptionally well in warm-hot climates. From the Polignano region of southern Italy. Seed packet includes 24 seeds and growing instructions.
(C. melo) Early cucumber with very productive emerald green cylindrical fruit, exhibiting deep ridging, firm smooth skin and few seeds. Flesh is savory, crisp (yet tender), bitter-free and does not cause indigestion as other cucumbers can. Perfect for all climates but grows exceptionally well in warm-hot climates. Seed packet includes 24 seeds and growing instructions.
(C. melo) A sweet oval cucumber-melon with smooth crisp light green skin. The white interior reveals a savory tender flesh that is bitter-free and does not cause indigestion as other cucumbers can. Growth habit is spread out. A drought-resistant variety that does well in most places, including hot climates. Very similar to the Fasano. Seed packet includes 24 seeds and growing instructions.
(C. melo) A sweet round cucumber-melon with smooth crisp light green skin. The white interior reveals a savory tender flesh that is bitter-free and does not cause indigestion as other cucumbers can. Growth habit is spread out. A drought-resistant variety that does well in most places, including hot climates. Very similar to the Barattiere. Seed packet includes 24 seeds and growing instructions.
(C. melo) Very early cucumber with light green cylindrical fruit, slightly grooved, with firm flesh and few seeds. Flesh is savory, crisp yet tender, bitter-free and does not cause indigestion as other cucumbers can. Fruit is perfect raw for snacking or as an addition to salads. Early abundant harvests are produced in the center of compact vines. Seed packets include 24 seeds and growing instructions.
(C. melo) Very early cucumber with dark green cylindrical fruit, slightly grooved, with firm flesh and few seeds. Flesh is savory, crisp yet tender, bitter-free and does not cause indigestion as other cucumbers can. Fruit is perfect raw for snacking or as an addition to salads. Perfect for all climates but grows exceptionally well in warm-hot climates. 24 Seeds.
(C. melo var adzur) This vigorous Italian carosello variety produces dark to slightly striped cylindrical fruit that are 4-6” when ~1.5-2” in diameter. Highly productive in full sun and incredibly delicious. From Paola Zuena. Seed packet includes 24 seeds and growing instructions.
(C. melo) This smooth-fleshed carosello variety was cherished for generations by the family of Uccio of Sogliano, Italy and narrowly averted extinction in 2015, when his children gave the remaining seeds to a local farmer named Luigi. While the majority of vines bear white fruit, some bear darker fruit. Pick when oval or cylindrical fruit color begins to turn from pale green to white. 24 Seeds.
A knowledge archive of all things “cucumber” from Cucumber Shop.
–The “Regular” Indian Cucumbers
Long Cucumber Melons:
–Snake Melons or Armenian Cucumbers
Italian Cucumber Varieties:
–The Carosello Barese Cucumber
Other cucumber-type fruit:
What is a cucumber-melon?
Often when people think of a cucumber, they imagine an American long green thick-skinned waxy fruit that is purchased from a grocery store. Others imagine a Long English cucumber or a Lebanese thin-skinned small fruit. Even if an individual has never encountered a bitter cucumber or experienced indigestion from eating one, he may consider cucumbers to be bland, watery fruit that exhibit a bit of a slightly bitter sappy aftertaste. To all those who has become accustomed to the flavor, texture and aftertaste of regular Cucumis sativus cucumbers, and would prefer a better experience – there is a much better cucumber available.
Prior to the introduction of regular Cucumis sativus cucumbers, melons were the only cucumbers many were familiar with. Unlike the mature sweet muskmelons that we are accustomed to, Cucumis melo (or C. melo) was picked as a savory immature long delicious cucumber. From Ancient Egypt, C. melo cucumbers made their way to Europe. They were sought after by various groups of people and were a staple of kings and emperors.
The Cucumis melo varieties that are most suitable as cucumbers have been selected to be picked immature as cucumbers and generally have a taste, texture and growth habit that ensure that the expression of their best traits occurs during the immature stage of fruit development. The heat-loving vines develop fruit that is crisp, yet tender, bitter-free and gentle on the stomach. They slowly transpire water, have a moderate water content and often impart a rich, almost complex flavor with a slightly sweet aftertaste. For comparison sake, cucumber-melons are like tomatoes in that they are a fruit that is consumed as a savory vegetable. Or you can think of them in the way that a zucchini is an immature form of squash. In short, cucumber-melons can be considered the gourmet “zucchini” of the muskmelon family.
Cucumis melo fruit that is picked immature as a cucumber is often referred to as a melon cucumber or a “cucumber-melon”. While there are many indigenous varieties, there are two main types that people may be familiar with. The first and most common is, in America, referred to as an Armenian cucumber. One who has seen an Armenian-type cucumber will most likely envision a long light green smooth fruit with rounded ridges. But there are other types of Armenian cucumber including those that are light, dark, striped, splotched or may have other characteristics that set it apart from a regular Armenian cucumber. The Armenian cucumber also goes by many different names, depending upon the country someone lives in. The second, lesser known type of C. melo cucumber originates from southern Italy. These gourmet Italian cucumbers are generally referred to as “carosello”. Although shorter than most Armenian cucumbers, they display a range of flavors, colors, shapes and sizes.
Should someone ever get the chance to taste a cucumber-melon, they may find it very worthwhile. With their crisp, tender-yet-crisp, bitter-free rich texture and rich flavor it is no wonder why this was the cucumber sought after by kings.
What is a Cucumber?
When someone says the word “cucumber” many different images can come to mind. Someone who lives in a remote village of one country may consider cucumbers to be completely different than someone who lives in a big city of another country. Even dictionaries have a different view of cucumbers. Merriam-Webster dictionary restricts the meaning of a cucumber to “the fruit of the vine (Cucumis sativus) of the gourd family cultivated as a garden vegetable” while the Oxford Dictionary describes cucumbers more broadly as “a long, green-skinned fruit with watery flesh, usually eaten raw in salads or pickled”
Though not everything that is considered a cucumber is from the species Cucumis sativus or even long, they all have some very common traits. They all grow on a vine and produce fruit in one season or less that is picked immature and eaten raw, in salads or pickled. The majority of what I would refer to as a cucumber are in the Cucumis genus and either Cucumis sativus or Cucumis melo. Not all C. sativus or melo varieties are palatable at their immature stage. Some at one stage or another are suitable for cooking. The Cucumis melo that are most suitable as cucumbers are those that have been bred to be picked immature as cucumbers and generally have a taste, texture and growth habit that ensure that the expression of their best traits occurs during the immature stage of fruit development.
In both growing, taste, texture and juiciness, the two species of cucumber can be different. Cucumis sativus, which originates in Asia, are generally more tolerant of moisture and cool nights, but are more easily stressed by excessive heat. The fruit is generally harder, stores better and exhibits a high water content but presents a bit of a sappy aftertaste, can turn bitter when the plant is stressed and, depending upon the variety, can cause indigestion.
Cucumis melo, which comes from Africa, may struggle with cool wet conditions, but thrives in the heat. Fruits of this kind are not bred for sweetness, but rather for their immature fresh-eating qualities. Instead of becoming bitter when the vine is stressed, the fruit may develop faster, may be smaller or may have smaller seeds. The cucumbers from these plants are generally crisp, yet tender, bitter-free and gentle on the stomach. They slowly transpire water, have a moderate water content and often impart a rich, almost complex flavor with a slightly sweet aftertaste.
So – what is a cucumber? A cucumber is a fruit picked from a vine that is eaten fresh or used to pickle or cook that is generally considered juicy, crisp and delicious.
•Blog
•I offer to purchase your cucumber seeds.
My love of cucumbers extends far beyond just selling seed. I love growing in my garden and sharing as much as I can.
Subscribe to my Blog FeedYou can watch my videos below and find all the updates to my carosello and other cucumber videos on YouTube.
If you have a cucumber variety you believe I may be interested in, please let me know and I may choose to purchase it or trade seeds.
If you are willing to take pictures of cucumbers, I may have some cucumber seeds I will send you for free. See my Photo Suggestions page for details.
Sometimes I am able to collaborate with others. Here is some of what I have done with other growers:
I really appreciate Joe Lamp’l giving me a second chance to interview. I hope you enjoy our conversation on the Joe Gardener Podcast entitled “Get to Know Cucumber-Melons, an Alternative to Bitter Cucumbers.”
Thank you to Margaret Roach for interviewing me for the April 2, 2023 New York Times Article and for having some family send me a copy of it!
Explore a World of Crazy Cucumbers with Margaret Roach at A Way to Garden.
The Case for a Rewarding Garden Vegetable, a blog post for the Urban Farm that explains why gardeners should grow Cucumber Melons and carosello cucumbers.
Cucumber Melons and Carosello Cucumbers on the Urban Farm Podcast, Episode 490:
Here’s a Mother Earth News Article based on an article that I wrote for Mother Earth News entitled, “Growing Cucumber Melon Plant.”
It looks like I unintentionally received some attention from the News in Bari. I am so grateful for those who have gone before me who have cultivated these varieties for decades and generations. I can only hope to build off of their legacy. Here’s a recent Italian article about my cucumber exploits entitled, “Apulian carousels ready to replace US gherkins, the New York Times celebrates the discovery of an American professor: “Better and more digestible.”
According to Italiafruit.net I have now become a professor in their article entitled, “The Apulian carousels conquer the United States“. The article is nicely written though.
Greenme.it has a nice article about the exploits of Cucumber Shop entitled, “Other than cucumbers, all crazy for the Apulian carousels in the USA“
It looks like we made it into a magazine as well. Here’s a link to the short article at Quotidiano di Puglia.
Another Article by Ecce Corriere entitled, “Goodbye gherkins, Apulian carousels are very popular in America“
Gazzetta di Mantova just barely mentioned us in their article, which is just as well. The article is entitled, “Here is the Apulian carousel, a little melon and a little cucumber“
Multiradio Massafra wrote a Facebook post about my little shop too entitled, “Apulian Carousels Book in the United States: And they are Overcoming American Cucumbers“
Our Purpose:
To Discover: To discover and gather as many Carosello and other unique cucumber-melon varieties as possible.
To Preserve: We grow out each variety, selecting unique traits that have historically characterized each specific cucumber variety. A portion of the first crop is often offered to original seed donors to replenish their own stock.
To Provide Access: Because access is key to preservation, we desire to distribute these incredible cucumber varieties with others.
Cucumber Shop is a hobby business that specializes in open-pollinated cucumber and cucumber-melon varieties. Between the seed that I import and the seed that I produce, the minimal profit that is generated is cycled back into the business. I am always looking for new and exciting cucumber varieties. Each variety that I grow is stabilized to keep it as close to keep it as true-to-type as possible. Over time, various cucumber strains are refined until I offer them at Cucumber Shop.
What to expect when you order: High quality seed that will produce delicious cucumbers. Seed packets are labeled, with directions on the back.
Each sample seed packet contains 24 seeds. Priced at a set amount per packet (See more information after the Guarantee below) with free shipping in the U.S.
Each packet is protected with padding in an envelope.
Major Credit Cards and Paypal accepted.
Free seeds from my own vegetable seed collection are included in each order.
Guarantee: Cucumber Shop guarantees only seed quality and purity and will not be liable for more than the purchase price.
Pricing: The less it costs me to sell, the cheaper my prices. I charge the least for in-person transactions (no shipping required), I charge more for Venmo (“Jay Tracy@Cucumber_Shop” for Venmo) and Zelle (“[email protected]” for Zelle ),I charge more for Paypal and Stripe (various fees required), and – because of additional fees, I charge the most for other marketplaces, such as Etsy.
The idea for Cucumber Shop began well before 2012, from a conversation I had with an Arizona and Tucson gardening guru named George Brookbank. At one Tucson Organic Gardener’s meeting I told him several of my concerns with the regular Armenian cucumber variety, to which he recommended an Armenian-type cucumber called a “Serpentine Cucumber”. His suggestion began my search for more regular cucumber and cucumber-melon varieties that would grow well in Arizona’s climate. Each time I grew out each new cucumber variety and experienced more success, I decided that I could offer these varieties to others. Over time, as I obtained more and more varieties, the little hobby shop has taken shape to become Cucumber Shop.
2012- registered CucumberShop domain & developed logo
2013- registered trademark and began ecommerce shop on Blogger
2014- CucumberShop opened on Etsy
2019- CucumberShop.com became its own website
Other events include acquiring specific cucumber varieties and domain names.
Several other domains that are incorporated into Cucumber Shop include CucumberSeed.com, CucumberSeeds.com, CucumberSeeds.net and CucumberSeedShop.com.
Higher germination can be achieved by pre-sprouting seed.
Pre-sprouting is different from transplanting. Because cucumbers have sensitive roots, transplanting can stunt cucumber growth. On the other hand, pre-sprouting can save growing time and help you achieve greater success in growing cucumbers. You can find my presprouting video here, or you can just follow the directions and pictures for my pre-sprouting method below.
Next- Add water to the paper towel (just enough to wet the paper towel). It is important to wring (or press) out any excess water before closing the ziploc bag. Too much water can make the seeds rot!
If you have any questions about my service please see my reviews on Google, at Dave’s Garden or Etsy.
Any other questions you have can be directed to [email protected].
-Questions about Refunds? Go to our Refund Policy page.
Q: Do you grow all of your own seeds?
A: I do grow many of the varieties that I sell and hope to continue to grow more varieties myself – to ensure better seed germination (sprouting) and vigor (healthy growth) than I get from any of the seeds I purchase.
Q: How many kinds of cucumber-melons do you offer?
A: Currently, we are offering 18 different varieties of cucumber melon. We currently offer more types of carosello cucumber than anyone else.
Q: Will these cucumbers cross with my other cucumbers?
A: Many of the varieties that I offer are cucumber-melons (botanically a melon and agriculturally a cucumber). If you are a seed saver and want to save pure seeds, you can any cucumber-melon (Cucumis Melo) next to regular cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) without crossing. If you are trying to grow pure seed, just make sure not to grow two cucumber-melon varieties (Cucumis Melo) together or two regular cucumber varieties (Cucumis Melo) together, as they will cross.
Q: What makes your cucumbers better than other cucumber varieties on the market?
A: The Carosello and Armenian-type cucumber varieties I offer are bitter-free, burpless rare heirloom cucumber seeds. Our goal is to offer the most delicious gourmet fresh-eating cucumbers that can be found anywhere. Many varieties possess specific shapes, contours, coloring, or incredible flavor that make them stand out from other cucumber varieties. Although they originate from southern Europe (mostly Italy) these cucumber varieties can (and do) grow anywhere you can grow regular cucumbers and perform even better in hot climates.
Q: Why don’t I see more of these cucumbers in the supermarket?
A: Because these cucumber-melon varieties have crisp, yet tender skin they do not travel as well as other cucumber varieties. Additionally, the more porous skin of cucumber- melons does not trap water in as well as many other hard waxy-skinned cucumber varieties. Out of these cucumber varieties, the regular Armenian cucumber variety travels better than some of the others, if picked later. You may even find this variety sold at a local farmer’s market. Once you start serving these fresh-picked cucumbers at home you may have difficulty returning to the store to pick up regular cucumbers.
Q: Why is there fuzz on the cucumber-melons you offer?
A: The slight fuzz is a characteristic that is exhibited by fruit in the melon family. Though some Carosello varieties exhibit more fuzz than others, the fuzz is generally harmless and can be easily brushed off. The fuzz may act as a natural deterrent for sap-sucking insects that would otherwise take advantage of the cucumber’s tender skin.
Q: Are your seeds Heirloom, Organic or Genetically-Modified?
A: Each seed variety that I sell is open-pollinated and, in a sense, heirloom. I personally grow each cucumber variety in an organic fashion, without the use of pesticides. None of the varieties that I offer are genetically modified
Q: Where do your cucumber varieties come from?
A: The majority of the cucumber-melon varieties that I offer have well over 50 years of history and are prized for their taste, texture and ability to grow in the environment of the Mediterranean and beyond. A few of the varieties are stable, recently introduced crosses, but the C. Melo variant Flexuosus that includes carosello are of ancient origin, dating back to at least ancient Egypt and are even spoken of in biblical text ( Hudáková, 2016) (Paris, 2008).
Q: Where does the Carosello cucumber name come come from?
A: The name “Carosello” for these cucumbers came by Italian seed companies trying to label the seeds with a word that would be familiar with consumers. A good friend of mine with a family history in the region where these cucumber-melons come from further explains: “In Italian the word “carosello” means the same as the English word “carousel” [meaning the amusement ride for children in which children ride around on a circle while listening to music from an organ]. In the case of the carosello cucumber, the most accepted explanation is that it comes from a local dialect word: “carusieddo” because the first place in Puglia in ancient times when “carusieddo” was first cultivated is Carosino, a small village close to Taranto. When seed companies decided to market “carusieddo”, they couldn’t write on seed packets a vernacular word, so they chose the closest Italian word to “carusieddo” as a sound: carosello, which doesn’t have anything to do with “carousel” in this case.”
To learn more about the origin of cucumber-melons, see: Paris, Harry & Janick, J. (2008). Reflections on linguistics as an aid to taxonomical identification of ancient Mediterranean cucurbits: the Piqqus of the Faqqous1., Hudáková, Lubica (2016) Gardening at Deir el-Bersha in the Middle Kingdom: a unique representation of Cucurbitaceae cultivation, and Janick, Jules & Paris, Harry & C Parrish, David. (2008). The Cucurbits of Mediterranean Antiquity: Identification of Taxa from Ancient Images and Descriptions. Annals of botany. 100. 1441-57.
The Cucumbershop logo is a registered Trademark.
No permission is given to use any picture on this website, without express consent.
Cucumbershop strives to provide regular Cucumber seed and Carosello cucumber seed varieties at the lowest price.
(C. melo) A round early sweet productive cucumber-melon with dark streaking and slight ridging. Growth habit is bushy, with tightly-packed leaves. Flesh is savory, crisp while remaining tender and juicy. This bitter-free and does not cause indigestion as other cucumbers can. Pick when baseball size before the fruit changes color. Seed packet includes 24 seeds and growing instructions. Pick when baseball size before the fruit changes color. 70-80 days to maturity. 24 Seeds.
Want to learn more? We have recorded our gardening exploits at The Scientific Gardener blog since 2011.
(C. melo) This gourmet cucumber variety is an ancient heirloom of cucumber-melon still cultivated near Gallipoli, Italy. Variations in vine and fruit length ensure long harvests of 4-6 inch cylindrical fruit with light flesh developing mottled dark bands exhibiting crisp, yet tender texture and superb flavor with a sweet aftertaste. Also called the Meloncella Fasciata. 24 Seeds.
(Best picked between 1.5-2″ (4-5cm) in diameter.)
