Round Carosello from Manduria (Cucumis melo)

Carosello Tondo di Manduria (Cucumis melo): also called "meloncino" or "meloncella" . Like the Carosello, this Apulian specialty is a melon that is eaten unripe like a cucumber. Cultivation is simple; the plant can be grown both, vertically and in the ground. However, it is susceptible to powdery mildew , so we recommend growing it with climbing support (such as netting) if possible, and thinning out the green part so that the plant has enough air to avoid accumulating humidity. This variety is very vigorous, and trimming will improve the quality of the fruit.
Eat the immature Caroselli, but leave a few from the healthiest and most productive plants to achieve maturity in order to harvest the seeds.The Round from Manduria is one of the closest in flavour to melons, it is fragrant and sweet, like a melon and holds the freshness of a cucumber. A typical local variety worth preserving.
Sow in spring, the plant is early and can be grown throughout Italy, it tolerates pots well as long as they are big enough.