Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon 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.

In this recipe the cucamelons stay wonderfully crisp. The Ponzu adds a citrusy, salty, slightly sweet flavor, and the chile brings just the right amount of heat. It's essentially a quick marinade that gives them the tangy quality of a pickle.

It's an especially good snack, appetizer, or side dish.

What are Cucamelons?

The first time I laid eyes on cucamelons, I thought they were teeny-tiny watermelons. It's no wonder some refer to them as Mexican Miniature Watermelons.

• Cucamelons are very small fruits that are members of the cucumber family, that grow on a vine called Melothria Scabra, and have been around for centuries. Despite their name, they're not a hybrid of a cucumber and a melon.
• 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 considered a delicacy in Central America and Mexico, where they are native.
• They're a more vibrant green inside than other cucumber varieties, with 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.

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 Cucamelons

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.

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.
• Ponzu sauce is typically made with Japanese citrus like Yuzu, soy sauce, and other ingredients such as rice wine vinegar, bonito flakes, and seaweed. For my version, I use lime juice instead of Yuzu, along with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and Mirin.

How to Eat Cucamelons and Cucamelon Recipes

Cucamelons can be eaten whole, sliced, or halved, and they don't need to be peeled. They're delicious raw or cooked, and they're especially good pickled, added to salads and salsas, or marinated, like in the recipe I'm sharing here.

How to Make Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelons

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

If you want to save time, you can purchase a prepared Ponzu.

- 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.

Recipe Tip: I like this best after about 30 minutes of marinating time - however, it will still be delicious even the next day.

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

Serving Suggestions

The marinated cucamelons are delicious alongside or with so many things. Here are a handful of ideas...

• Alongside grilled meats, like Coffee Balsamic Grilled Steak.
• With all sorts of burgers. They're especially great with a Sriracha Burger!
• Alongside sandwiches, like this fabulous Kimchi Sandwich with Steak.
• Used to top rice or quinoa bowls.
• As a side with Asian-inspired dishes. I love it with Broiled Miso Black Cod.

I hope you love it!

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