Meki / मेकी / Meki / Cucumis setosus

Other Names

  • Local Name: Meki / मेकी
  • Common Name: Meki
  • Botanical Name: Cucumis setosus

Status & Habitat

  • Habitat: Climber
  • Occurrence: Dry tropical areas; moist, well-drained sandy soils.
  • Season of Availability: Warmer parts of the year
  • Geography: East Indies (possibly, still not sure of its origins)
  • Method of Propagation: Seed propagation
  • Part used for Propagation: Seeds

Edible Parts

  • Edible Parts: Fruits
  • Can be Eaten Raw: Yes

Method of Consumption

  • Raw: Yes
  • Ripe: Yes
  • Both Raw & Ripe: Yes
  • Dangerous Form to Consume: N/A
  • As Food: Fruits are eaten raw
  • As Medicine: Fruit helps relieve thirst; dry seed powder is taken to relieve muscle weakness; cucumber juice helps relieve burning micturition.
  • Cooking Without Prior Boiling: Yes
  • Boiling Before Cooking: Not required
  • Pickling: Yes
  • Brining: No
  • Fermenting: No
  • Drying for later Consumption: No
  • Overall Method: Fruits may be made into sandwiches, soups, juices, etc.

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

  • Nutritional Benefit: High water content.
  • Medicinal Benefit: Relieves Muscle weakness

Tribal Wisdom

  • Tribal Wisdom: Fruit helps relieve thirst; dry seed powder is taken to relieve muscle weakness; cucumber juice helps relieve burning micturition.

Recipes / Usage

  • Tribal Recipe / Usage: Raita:
    Mix chopped and washed fruits with dahi, water, chili, tomato and onion.