This rare cucumber resembling kiwi fruit or small netted melons, was first distributed in Europe by the French seed company of Vilmorin during the mid-1800s. Called angoukzi in Byzantine Greek and cocombre brodé de Russie in French, it was treated as a Russian heirloom even though its real homeland is the Himalayas. The short stubby fruits reach 4 to 6 inches in length and grow on long, trailing vines. The mature
cucumbers have crisp white flesh which is commonly used in north Indian curries. The small immature fruits (shown in the picture) are brownish green and at that stage make excellent additions to pickles and stir fries.