Croá melon (sikana or musk cucumber) is an Amazonian fruit measuring about 12 cm in diameter.
When opened, the croa melon (Sicana odorifera) has the appearance of a juicy redneck cucumber and full of seeds with a sweet flavor that reminds me of apple, passion fruit, melon, a real fruit salad.
Aromatic fruit, cruazeiro is considered an ornamental plant, it is a vine that climbs trees, walls, supports and grows long branches, large and solitary leaves that give us these different fruits, still little known in some Brazilian regions, not so popular, but tasty.
It is used in folk medicine, to eliminate worms and to improve intestinal discomfort; in addition to helping to strengthen the immune system.
Rich in vitamins and health benefits, raw melon is rich in water, has protein, fiber, low fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, vitamins B, C, flavonoids, anthocyanin.
When green it is used in stir-fries, broths, soups, salads as a vegetable. The best way to consume ripe fruit to obtain all its nutrients is in natura, a refreshing and juicy fruit.
We can also make jellies, juices, sweets, salty purees with the ripe fruit.
In English: sikana or musk cucumber
In Mexico: melocotonero, calabaza de olor, calabaza melon, persico or alberchigo;
In El Salvador and Guatemala: melocotón or melon de olor;
In Costa Rica: calabaza de chila
In Nicaragua: cojombro
In Panama: chila
In Bolivia: pavi
In Peru: padea, olerero, secana or upe
In Colombia: calabaza de Paraguay, curuba or melocoton cucumber
In Venezuela: cajú cajuba, cajua, cagua, calabaza de Guinea
In Puerto Rico: pepino, pepino angolo ou pepino socato
In Cuba: cohombro