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Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon Recipe

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Cucamelon recipes are a treat! Also known as Mexican Sour Gherkins, Mexican Miniature Watermelons, and Watermelon Cucumbers — they’re delicious marinated in Ponzu sauce with a bit of heat. A perfect refreshing, light and flavorful side or snack. Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon recipe in three small bowlsThe first time I laid eyes on these Cucamelons, I thought they were teeny-tiny watermelons. It’s no wonder some refer to them as Mexican Miniature Watermelons.

At first glance they’re super cute — and when you take a closer look, maybe even slice one in half, they’re truly exquisite.

Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon recipe in a small bowl and slice cucamelons on black table

What are Cucamelons?

  • As I mentioned, they’re also referred to as Mexican Sour Gherkins, Mexican Miniature Watermelons and Watermelon Cucumbers.
  • More or less the size of grapes, they’re in season in August and September, and are a considered a delicacy in central America and Mexico, where they are native.
  • Even though it sounds like it, these cute fruits are not a hybrid of a watermelon and a cucumber. They are a fruit that grows on a vine called Melothria Scabra, and have been around for centuries.
  • A more vibrant green inside than other cucumber varieties, and a wide range of green hues blended into soft stripes on the outside.
  • Cucamelon recipes are quite healthy because these babies (pun intended) are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. And of course, they are low in calories, too.

a few cucamelons with a knife

What do Cucamelons/Mexican Sour Gherkins taste like?

  • Despite the name, they are only a tiny bit sour — subtly lemony.
  • They’re also a bit sweet, and have a fantastic crunch.
  • More than anything though, they taste like a cucumber.

During their season you should see them in markets, in the specialty section of the produce department. You can also order them from Melissa’s Produce, here.

Ponzu-Marinated Watermelon Cucumbers

Cucamelon Recipes

These beautiful cuties make for an excellent snack, a superb crunch in a salad, divine pickled in a jar — and perfect marinated in Ponzu!

What is Ponzu sauce?

  • Ponzu sauce is a Japanese citrus based sauce or marinade — it’s deliciously sweet, sour, salty, and bitter all at once.
  • The ingredients in Ponzu sauce are typically: a citrus called Yuzu, rice wine vinegar, bonito flakes, and seaweed. (I used a few of these and lime juice instead of the Yuzu.)

Tips for Making Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon Recipe

  • You can use the ingredients in my recipe to make the Yuzu sauce, or you can purchase a prepared one.
  • If lime isn’t your favorite, you can use lemon instead.
  • I like this best after about 30 minutes of marinating time — however, it will still be delicious even the next day.

Enjoy!

This is not a sponsored post.  Melissa’s Produce sent me Watermelon Cucumbers for recipe testing – all opinions are my own.  I only promote, create recipes with, and write about products I love.

Print
Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon Recipe
Prep Time
40 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 

Cucamelon recipes are a treat! Also known as Mexican Sour Gherkins, Mexican Miniature Watermelons, and Watermelon Cucumbers -- they're delicious marinated in Ponzu sauce with a bit of heat.

Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: Asian, Mexican
Keyword: great for salads, summer fruit recipes
Servings: 2
Calories: 28 kcal
Author: Valentina K. Wein
Ingredients
Instructions

  1. To make the Yuzu, in a small mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, soy sauce, vinegar, Mirin and salt.

  2. Slice the Cucamelons in half, lengthwise, and add them to the bowl. Mix them to be sure they're all well coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, and up to an hour.

  3. Sprinkle with chile flakes when you're ready to serve.

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Comments

  4. These are so beautiful! I’ve never even seen such cucumbers before. Ah and I love a good Asian pickle recipe… perhaps my cukes will not be so exotic, but this recipe will definitely be going in my repertoire.

    Reply

  5. We’re still screaming summer sunshine here with lots of fantastic ripe cucumbers that are in need of a refreshing recipe. Thank you for sharing this recipe that is just bursting with bright flavor!

    Reply

  6. You have no idea how happy I am to see this on your blog. I love love watermelon cucumbers, this is a completely new recipe to me. We make a dry spicy side out of this vegetable and it is a tedious job to chop em’ up, but I never get tired of chopping my favorite vegetable. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

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