Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon Recipe (2024)

Aug 2, 2019 · by Valentina · 40 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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

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

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Marinating Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes 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.

NUTRITION

Calories: 28kcal

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 toAmazon.com.

More Vegetarian Recipes

White Asparagus with Lemon and Dill
Vegan Asparagus Soup
Satsuma Mandarin Recipe
Spicy Asian Slaw with Basil

Reader Interactions

Comments

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
  See Also
  Copycat Disneyland Recipe Roundup - The Recipe Critic 31 Healthy Soup Recipes For Every Day This Month Ratatouille Recipe (Easy!) - Wholesome Yum Chile Relleno Mexican Recipe
  you crack me up Greg! 😀
  Reply
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
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
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
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
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
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
  See Also
  Delicious and the best Taco Stew Recipe - Oh Sweet Basil
valentina
September 19, 2013 at 8:56 am
I could just look at them, they're so adorable. 😉
Reply
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Marpy
June 05, 2023 at 11:39 am
My husband is growing these! We love snacking on them raw, but I'm going to marinate them using your recipe and use them in stir fry tonight! Thanks!
Reply
- Valentina
  June 06, 2023 at 3:02 pm
  Fantastic! Thanks for writing in -- I hope you love it. Lucky you to have them in your own yard. 🙂 ~Valentina
  Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

FAQs

Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon Recipe? ›

North of the border this unusual plant has been given many different common names by seed companies trying to promote it, including mouse melon, Mexican sour gherkin, Mexican sour cucumber and cucumelon.

Is a Mexican sour gherkin the same as a Cucamelon? ›

View Details ›

What can I do with cucamelons? ›

Looking like miniature watermelons, cucamelons are also known as 'mouse melons'. Their refreshing cucumber-mixed-with-lime flavour makes them ideal for popping into a summer co*cktail or adding to a glass of Pimm's.

Get More Info ›

What to do with Mexican gherkin cucumbers? ›

Originating in Mexico and South America, sanditas (“l*ttle watermelon” in Spanish), their flavor, crunch and aroma are like a cucumber with an additional lime twist. This makes them perfect for snacking raw (a sprinkle of salt suggested) or in salads, salsa and even as a drink garnish.

Find Out More ›

When should I pick cucamelons? ›

The plants will start to fruit in July and continue until late September. Your cucamelons are ready to pick when they're the size of olives or small grapes and are still firm. Leaving them on the plant longer can result in a slightly bitter flavour and a soggy texture.

Discover More ›

Why are my cucamelons bitter? ›

Usually, cucurbitacin stays in the stem and leaves, but it can work its way into the fruit, causing bitter cucumbers. Cucumbers tend to grow bitter when the plant is under stress from inconsistent water, fluctuating temperatures or poor soil. The higher the level of the compound, the more bitter the fruit.

Show Me More ›

What are cucamelons called in Mexico? ›

Cucamelons are grape-sized fruits that look like Lilliputian watermelons but taste like cucumbers. They are native to Mexico and Central America, where they go by nicknames such as sandita (“l*ttle watermelon”) or sandía ratón (“mouse melon”).

Are cucamelons a Superfood? ›

Cucamelons are part of the cucumber family, but they look like mini watermelons. These fruits are packed with nutrients, including powerful antioxidants. They are considered a superfood because of their many health benefits.

View Details ›

What is the best way to eat cucamelons? ›

Generally eaten raw, but also pickled or used in salsas. Cucamelons can also be cooked, but tend to be best when cooked quickly or lightly (e.g. in a stir-fry).

Keep Reading ›

Do cucamelons grow back every year? ›

Cucamelons are typically grown as annuals, but they can be grown as perennials in warmer climates (and can be overwintered indoors). They need warm temperatures and are sensitive to frost, so they should be planted out from May, after all risk of frost has passed.

See Details ›

How to use Mexican sour gherkin? ›

Try it with tacos, or mix the ferment with a salad. And don't forget that the brine is also delicious and packed with minerals and probiotics too. So use the brine in a salad dressing, or add to a co*cktail.

Find Out More ›

What is the difference between a pickled cucumber and a gherkin? ›

While a pickle can be made from a large variety of food items, in US, Canada, and Australia, it is a word used to refer to pickled cucumbers. Gherkin is a term that is used for pickled cucumber in UK and the rest of Europe. Gherkin is made with very small cucumbers (1-3 inches in size).

Discover More Details ›

How to eat Mexican gherkin? ›

Their small size makes Mexican sour gherkins versatile. They can be eaten raw, one-by-one like grapes (if you enjoy the fresh flavor) sliced up in salads, pickled whole or in chutney, used as drink garnishes and even sautéed as a veggie side-dish. Most find them best enjoyed as a pickle.

View Details ›

What does a cucamelon taste like? ›

According to Andy, cucamelons “taste like a strong cucumber, maybe with a little bit of citrus. And they're really tasty.” So, forget any appearance the fruit may give of exuding a sweet watermelon flavor. However, they can add a sharp sour taste to any summer salad, co*cktails—yup, they're added to co*cktails too!

Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon Recipe (2024)

What are Cucamelons?

What do Cucamelons/Mexican Sour Gherkins taste like?

Where to buy them?

Cucamelon Recipes

What is Ponzu sauce?

Recipe Tips

Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

NOTES

NUTRITION

More Vegetarian Recipes

Reader Interactions

Comments

Leave a Reply

FAQs

Ponzu-Marinated Cucamelon Recipe? ›

How to use Mexican sour gherkin? ›

References