(87 days) F-1 hybrid. This variety bears the nickname of the U.S.-bound cargo trains that traverse Mexico, often with hopeful Central American migrant workers clinging atop, attempting the perilous journey to Los Estados Unidos. Despite being bred for Latin America, La Bestia’s early large yields and behemoth size will shatter at least some Northern preconceived notions.
An extra big and bulky elongated Sangria-type with intensely sweet deep red flesh, this beast rocked the scales at 15–20 lbs even in Maine’s cool slow-starting summer of 2019. Three monsters per plant were cut from thick rambunctious vines more akin to winter squash in vigor. Long keeping and shipping qualities result from a solid rind thickly swathed in dark green with thin light streaks. ④
