[detaro]

But it can't have in 1462, when potatoes (and Jerusalem artichokes) weren't known to Europeans yet.

[throwup238]

Yep, they weren't introduced to Europe until the late 16th century: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00029633

At that time, "erdapfel" meant something else entirely: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erdapfel

The reason I think it's a heirloom melon variety is threefold: a) "earth apple" fits because melons grow on the ground, b) there are green melons with yellow and pink stripes/patches, with the same elongated fruit shape, c) vines and leaf shape.

[fuzztester]

You're right. Only after the Columbian Exchange were those plants known to Europe.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbian_exchange