What Is a Cucamelon?

Updated: Apr. 17, 2023

Child Hands Holding Melothria Scabra, Also Known As The Cucamelon Or Pepquinos Witch Is Small Edible Fruit Witch Tastes Like Cucumber And Melon

Helin Loik-Tomson/Getty Images

This superfood also happens to be adorable.

There are some pretty atypical fruits out there. We’ve seen things like purple tomatoes, lychee and horned melons, to name a few. And now, we’ve come across the latest unique superfood that we can’t help but be obsessed with—cucamelons. I mean, seriously, how cute are they!?

Wait, what? What’s a cucamelon?

At first glance, it’s difficult to know what to make of cucamelons. Are they mini watermelons? Or are they grapes? And how do you eat this mysterious fruit? We’ve got all the details on what to know about this fascinating mini fruit.

What’s a Cucamelon?

Cucamelons may look like they would taste like a miniature refreshing summer watermelon. However, cucamelons are not all like they seem. Rather, a cucamelon is actually “a sour, Mexican gherkin,” as this TikToker, @andy_cooks explains.

@andy_cooks

Cucamelon! Have you tried one ? #cooking #food #foodtiktok #fruit #foryou #viral

♬ Boy’s a liar Pt. 2 – PinkPantheress & Ice Spice

In Spanish, these tiny, 1-2 inch Mexican sour gherkins are called sandiita—which translates to little watermelon. The fruit is native to Central America but can be spotted in American grocery stores throughout the late summer months. But, they have no relation to watermelons or cucumbers—even if the name is misleading! They are full of health benefits, though. Cucamelons can help fill any diet with loads of antioxidants, along with vitamins and minerals.

What Part of a Cucamelon Do You Eat?

Fresh Harvested Cucamelons in a bowl on a rustic wooden table Fudio/Getty Images

Fortunately, indulging in this mini fruit is simple. The fruit can easily be eaten raw! As Andy recommends, they’re “great for pickling, or just shove them in your salads.”

You can even grow the fruit in your own garden. The mini gherkin is a warm-season crop, meaning it can grow alongside tons of your favorite produce. Experts recommend that the weather be at least 75 degrees when plating cucamelon seeds. Be sure to plant them in a sunny location, too. And don’t expect these tiny fruits to sprout overnight—cucamelons are ready for harvest after a 65 to 75-day period.

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, cocktails—yup, they’re added to cocktails too!—or salsa recipe.

Either way, the tart cucamelon may just become the most popular fruit of the summer.

Tropical Fruit Recipes to Help You Escape

1 / 38

Triple Fruit Freeze

These pops won't turn your tongue blue or neon green like many store-bought pops because they're made with fresh grapes, blueberries and kiwifruit. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Get Recipe

Pineapple Coconut Smoothie Exps Bbbz16 192213 D07 08 5b 1

Pineapple-Coconut SmoothieUse fresh or frozen fruits in this coconutty recipe. It's like a pina colada, but better for you and more versatile. —Gunjan Dudani, Bellevue, Washington