Klossáki (κλωσσάκι)

Adzhuri, or the snake cucumber (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus, also known as the Armenian cucumber), is a climbing or creeping vegetable plant. Despite its appearance it is botanically a type of melon (a variety of the muskmelon).

The fruit is either long, slender, and often slightly curved (reaching up to 45 cm in length), or short and oval, depending on the exact variety.

It is light green in color with a delicate, ribbed skin. The flesh is very crisp, refreshing, and particularly easy to digest; in terms of flavor, it is very similar to a cucumber, though often milder and free of any bitter compounds.

In Greece, it is cultivated extensively, particularly on the island of Crete, as it thrives in hot, sunny locations. It is typically eaten fresh in salads, and its thin skin does not necessarily need to be peeled.

In Crete, a clear distinction is traditionally made between two forms:

Xylángouro (ξυλάγγουρο) or Atzoúri (ατζούρι): This is the well-known, very long, snake-like, curved variety.

Klossáki (κλωσσάκι): This is the oval, cylindrical, or slightly pear-shaped variety. It is shorter, often somewhat thicker, light green, and features the characteristic, slightly fuzzy (hairy) skin.

Among the locals, Cretan klossákia are considered even crispier and more flavorful than standard cucumbers. During the Cretan summer, they are often grown outdoors - sometimes cultivated as "ánydro" (dry-farmed/drought-resistant) crops.

On Crete, they are traditionally eaten simply - peeled or unpeeled, cut into thick slices, and served plain with a little sea salt and wine vinegar as a refreshing snack after a visit to the beach, or as an ingredient in a Cretan salad.

I love them and of course I have kept seeds right away and am curious if I can also grow them in northern Germany.Read more