Maxixe

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.

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.

Seed Sources

Maxixe seed can be special ordered through Johnny's Selected Seeds

Nutrition Documents

Maxixe salad

Maxixe salad - Portuguese