Have you heard of a delicious snackable fruit that tastes like cucumber with a twist of lemon? Resembling tiny watermelons, Cucamelons, or mouse melons are cucumber-looking veggies scientifically called Melothria Scabra. An heirloom vegetable native to Mexico and Central America, where it is known as or Sandita or the little watermelon, they grow on big vines that can reach up to ten feet or more, with lots of tiny tendrils that love to climb a trellis. These cucumber-like fruits pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. The article delves into the health benefits and recipes of these tiny melons or gherkins.

Also Read: Gherkin: Nutrition, Recipes And Culinary Uses Of This Tangy Vegetable- Recipe Inside!

Despite being a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, Cucamelons are part of an entirely different genus of plants and distantly related to cucumbers. In North America, these grape-sized fruits are sometimes called Mexican sour gherkins, or Mexican sour cucumbers, but the taste is neither sour nor super sweet like watermelon. With their distinctive dark and light green rinds, these Lilliputian watermelons have a lot to offer. Tiny cucamelons make up other properties that they lack in their size. Replete with antioxidant content, cucamelons contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help protect the body cells from damage caused by free radicals, thus reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart diseases.

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Amazing Health Benefits Of Nutritious Cucamelons:

Boosts Hydration

With their high water content, cucamelons help to keep you hydrated, which is essential for overall health and proper bodily functions.

Aids Eye Health

Despite their small size, cucamelons are packed with nutrients like vitamin C, which boosts immunity, and vitamin A, which is good for eye health.

Helps To Keep Weight In Check

If you are watching your calorie intake, cucamelons are a great option to consider. They are low in calories but high in volume, making them a satisfying snack choice for weight management.

Promotes Digestive Health

The fiber content in cucamelons supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements. This helps to prevent constipation and other digestive health issues.

Manages Heart Health

Cucamelons have potassium which is great in maintaining heart health. potassium prevents the hardening of the arteries which is one of the main causes of heart-related conditions. Consuming cucamelons can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Also Read: Watermelon Rind: Incredible Health Benefits, Uses And Recipe Of This Delicious Nutritional Fruit

There is no doubt that incorporating cucamelons into your diet can be a tasty and healthy way to boost your health. In case you are wondering how to eat this unique fruit that boasts of refreshing flavour and tangy taste, here is a simple Indian-style chutney recipe that you must give a try:

Cucamelon Chutney

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cucamelons, washed and chopped
  • 2-3 chopped green chilies
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 small piece of ginger
  • 1 tbsp mustard oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Method

  • Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard and cumin seeds and let them splutter
  • Add garlic and ginger and saute until fragrant
  • Add green chilies and turmeric powder
  • Add the chopped cucamelons and cook until they start to soften
  • Season with salt
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the cucamelons cook for another five minutes until they are completely tender
  • Once the cucamelons are cooked, remove them from the heat, and let the mixture cool down
  • Transfer everything to a blender
  • Add lemon juice and blend until you get a smooth chutney-like consistency
  • If the chutney is too thick, add a little water
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves
  • Serve the spicy cucamelon chutney with your favourite Indian food

Nutrition

Enjoy the unique flavour and spicy kick of this Indian-style cucamelon recipe that has all the vitamins and minerals to keep the body in good health. The chutney is a good appetizer that helps to boost digestion and satiate taste buds. Antioxidants present in the fruit fight harmful radicals and keep the body free of toxins.

References

  1. Connecticut Garden Journal: Cucamelon

Connecticut Public Radio | By Charlie Nardozzi

https://www.ctpublic.org/environment/2018-05-24/connecticut-garden-journal-cucamelon

  1. https://core.ac.uk/reader/563911240