West Indian Gherkins

These offer a crunchy texture and strong flavors very similar to regular cucumbers! West Indian gherkin cucumbers are a good source of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin K, and beta-carotene and can be consumed raw, or cooked. They are most popularly enjoyed pickled and can be mixed with garlic, onion, and herbs for flavor. They can also be chopped and minced into relishes. West Indian gherkin cucumbers can be stewed, fried, or boiled and used in meat and vegetable dishes. When consumed raw, they can be sliced and incorporated into salads. West Indian gherkin cucumbers pair well with meats such as beef, chicken, ham, and sausage, vegetables such as okra, carrots, turnips, cabbage, and sweet potato, and tomatoes, garlic, onion, parsley, and dill. They are a common fruit in Northern Brazil and the name given for the fruit, Maxixe, is also the name for a popular Brazilian dance. West Indian gherkin cucumbers are also used in cozido, which is a meat and vegetable stew in Northern Africa combining local and available ingredients.