A home-grown fruit that looks like a grape-sized watermelon but tastes like a cucumber has been launched at high-end British grocer Waitrose.

The cucamelon has a 'refreshing citrus flavor' and can be used as a zesty alternative for cucumbers in salads.

Cucamelon plants are available exclusively at Waitrose and have been grown by Sutton Seeds in the north of England.

They are being sold as part of a vegetable plant range by James Wong, a well-known botanist, science writer, broadcaster and author.

Shoppers can grow the fruit, which originates from Mexico and Central America, at home and harvest straight from the plant.

There is no need for a cover such as a greenhouse as long as there is no risk of frost, according to the grocer.

"We know that, after cooking, gardening is our customers’ favorite hobby, so we wanted to introduce something a little bit out of the ordinary that they can grow and enjoy," says Victoria Mason from Waitrose.

The £4 (US$5.65) cucamelon plant goes on sale at the end of this month.

The Wong series for grow-your-own plants also includes tomato varieties, sweetcorn, cucumber and peppers.

www.freshfruitportal.com