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    Home » Vegetarian » Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon Recipe

    Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon Recipe

    Aug 2, 2019 · by Valentina · 38 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    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.Small bowl with cucamelons, chili flakes and lime wedge

    The 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.

    several cucamelons on a black backgroundAt first glance they're super cute -- and when you take a closer look, maybe even slice one in half, they're truly exquisite.

    several cucamelons with a knife and one sliced in half

    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 small bowls filled with cucamelons

    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.

    Where to buy them?

    During their season (August and September) your best bet is at your local Farmers Markets, and maybe in the specialty section of the produce department.

    You can also order cucamelon seeds from a variety of places including here.

    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!

    Here's another cucamelon recipe you might enjoy. In this one they're actually fried!

    close up of cucamelons in a beige bowl with chili flakes and lime

    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.)

    Recipe Tips

    • 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!

    close up of cucamelons in a beige bowl with chili flakes and lime

    Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon Recipe

    Valentina K. Wein
    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.
    4.86 from 7 votes
    Print
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Marinating Time 30 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine Mexican, Asian
    Servings 2
    Calories 28 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Mirin (sweet rice wine)
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 6 ounces Cucamelons
    • pinch dry chili flakes

    Instructions
     

    • To make the Ponzu, in a small mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, soy sauce, vinegar, Mirin and salt. Set aside.
    • 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.
    • Sprinkle with chili flakes when you're ready to serve.

    Notes

    Calorie count is only an estimate.
    Keywords summer fruit recipes, great for salads
    Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

    Cooking On The Weekends is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 



    More Vegetarian Recipes

    • Slow Cooked Red Cabbage Stew
    • Halloumi Fries with Greek Yogurt Dip
    • Easy Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
    • Crispy Smashed Cauliflower

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. sippitysup

      September 14, 2013 at 11:06 pm

      Get out. I totally think those are tiny watermelons. GREG

      Reply
      • valentina

        September 19, 2013 at 8:51 am

        you crack me up Greg! 😀

        Reply
    2. Cathy @ She Paused 4 Thought

      September 15, 2013 at 12:47 am

      I bought some of those at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market and didn't know what to do with them, so I just ate them raw on a salad. Next time I see them I will try your recipe. 🙂

      Reply
      • valentina

        September 19, 2013 at 8:52 am

        Hope you enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Jennifer

      September 15, 2013 at 6:24 pm

      I've never heard of them before. They're so cute! And I bet, like you said, they'd make exquisite pickles. I want them!

      Reply
      • valentina

        September 19, 2013 at 8:52 am

        If you pickle them, let me know how you like them. Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Irina @ wandercrush

      September 16, 2013 at 3:27 am

      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
      • valentina

        September 19, 2013 at 8:53 am

        Thanks so much, Irina. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Deb

      September 16, 2013 at 6:50 pm

      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
      • valentina

        September 19, 2013 at 8:54 am

        Thank you Deb, for your sunny, bright comments. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Ash-foodfashionparty

      September 17, 2013 at 5:27 am

      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
      • valentina

        September 19, 2013 at 8:55 am

        Let me know if you post your spicy side of the cucumbers -- I bet it's amazingly delicious! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Coco in the Kitchen

      September 17, 2013 at 5:26 pm

      Ponzu is great. Pour some on my shoe and I'd eat it!

      These are the cutest li'l things!
      I've gotta get my hands on some, V.

      Reply
      • valentina

        September 19, 2013 at 8:55 am

        Colette - you are too funny. Don't eat shoes! 😉 I bet your little one would love these.

        Reply
    8. valentina

      September 19, 2013 at 8:56 am

      I could just look at them, they're so adorable. 😉

      Reply
    9. David

      September 22, 2013 at 8:21 pm

      What a refreshing salad or appetizer this would make! They are cute, but they are also tasty!

      Reply
      • valentina

        September 24, 2013 at 3:08 am

        Yes, so cute & tasty!

        Reply
    10. 2pots2cook

      August 04, 2019 at 1:05 am

      Love so much when something new pops out ! I will definitely have to look at the stands more carefully..... who knows, maybe I'll be surprised to find some over here. Also, thank you for the ideas how to prepare these babies, once found !

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 04, 2019 at 9:16 pm

        I hope you find them where you are! Thank you. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    11. Kelly | Foodtasia

      August 05, 2019 at 12:45 am

      Valentina, these little cucumelons are so cute! They sound amazing and I can't wait to try them. I'll have to look for them at the market. Love how you marinated them in ponzu!

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 05, 2019 at 10:01 am

        Thanks, Kelly! They are indeed cute. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    12. Dawn - Girl Heart Food

      August 05, 2019 at 4:26 am

      I've never seen cucamelons around here before, nor have I tried them, but would love to! I do enjoy those little mini gherkins so I bet I'd love this too! Nice touch with the chili flakes - love a little heat 🙂 Have a wonderful week!

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 05, 2019 at 10:02 am

        Thanks, Dawn. Maybe they'll show up over there one day. Hope you have a wonderful week, too! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    13. David @ Spiced

      August 05, 2019 at 5:25 am

      Well I learned something today! I've never heard of cucamelons, but now I really want to try 'em! What a fun flavor combination, and these would be great for a summer party. Love this recipe, my friend!

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 05, 2019 at 10:03 am

        Yes, awesome for a party! Thanks, David. Have a great week. ~Valentina

        Reply
    14. Marissa

      August 05, 2019 at 11:07 am

      These are adorable and sound so good! I hope I can find them locally!

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 05, 2019 at 12:15 pm

        Me too!! 🙂 Thanks!

        Reply
    15. Eha

      August 05, 2019 at 5:20 pm

      Well, if so many Americans have never heard of these beauties methinks you'll believe I have never sighted them Down Under. However having been born in Northern Europe which does not know how to eat without small pickled cucumbers on the table methinks I'll happily try what Ponzu dressing, which is a firm favourite, will add to the tiny cucumbers I can access here . . . thanks !

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 05, 2019 at 5:33 pm

        Thank you, Eha. Tiny cucumbers will be delicious. Yes, these cuties do not show up everywhere. It seems a lot of people grow them in their yards, and I'm hoping to do just that next summer. 🙂 Enjoy.

        Reply
      • Robyn

        April 10, 2021 at 3:22 pm

        Look forward to trying this recipe...... I have them growing in my garden (prolifically) and usually pickle them .
        Would Also like to try cooking them if anyone has any ideas

        Reply
        • valentina

          April 11, 2021 at 5:02 pm

          Hi Robyn, thanks for writing in. So fantastic you're growing these! I would love to have them in my yard. I think they'd be delicious in a salsa. Maybe a fruit salsa with watermelon or strawberries -- or tomato, red onion, and cilantro. (You can replace the regular cucumbers with them in this recipe.) Enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina

          Reply
    16. David Scott Allen

      August 06, 2019 at 6:56 pm

      Even after all the years since you originally posted this, I have still yet to see these in any store in Tucson! I’m so bummed, because these look wonderful!

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 07, 2019 at 3:45 pm

        Hmmmmm? I'm going to see if Melissa's Produces distributes them to any stores out your way. I'll let you know.

        Reply
      • valentina

        August 08, 2019 at 10:23 am

        Well, unfortunately Melissa's Produce doesn't have them this year -- they say the best place to look it at the local Farmers Markets. Here's hoping! And if you're so inclined . . . . you can get the seeds here. 😀

        Reply
    17. Missy

      June 22, 2020 at 10:43 am

      I’m growing cucamelons in my garden for the first time, this year, and this sounds delicious! I’m excited to try this once I’ve got a harvest!

      Reply
      • valentina

        June 22, 2020 at 12:19 pm

        Thanks for your note, Missy. I hope you love the recipe! :-)~Valentina

        Reply
    18. Rebecca

      July 14, 2020 at 9:22 pm

      I'm growing cucamelons in my garden this year and on my second harvest I have enough to fill a pint jar. I did pickle some last week and they were definitely tasty. How long does your recipe keep for?

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 15, 2020 at 10:20 am

        Hi Rebecca, thanks for writing in. 🙂 This will last about 7 to 10 days very well in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container. So great you're growing them at home! Enjoy and thanks for checking out my recipes. ~Valentina

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Valentina, certified chef, owner, recipe developer and photographer at Cooking on the Weekends. I'm also a mom of two boys and a Los Angeleno. I use seasonal whole foods to create unique and comforting recipes for casual entertaining.

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