Cucamelon Quick Pickles

Cucamelon Quick Pickles: A Refreshing Twist on Traditional Pickling

Welcome to a delightful journey into the world of pickling where we embrace the charm of cucamelons, those tiny, grape-sized fruits that resemble miniature watermelons. If you’re looking for a unique addition to your pickling repertoire, our Cucamelon Quick Pickles recipe is the perfect choice. Not only do these pickles offer a visually appealing and tasty treat, but they are also incredibly simple to make. Let’s dive into this refreshing and tangy recipe that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces (115 g) cucamelons
• ⅓ cup (80 g) cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons filtered water
• 1 tablespoon (12 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 5 allspice berries
• 5 whole black peppercorns
• 1 pod star anise
• 2 1-inch strips fresh ginger

Directions

1. Prepare the Cucamelons:
   • Rinse the cucamelons under cold water and trim off the blossom ends. You can also halve them if you prefer smaller pieces.
2. Jar Arrangement:
   • Place the prepared cucamelons in a cleaned and sterilized half-pint canning jar. Add the red pepper flakes, allspice berries, black peppercorns, star anise, and fresh ginger strips to the jar, distributing them evenly among the cucamelons.
3. Create the Pickling Solution:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the cider vinegar, filtered water, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a simmer, ensuring that you stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt completely.
4. Pour and Seal:
   • Carefully pour the hot pickling solution over the cucamelons in the jar, making sure to leave about a 1/4-inch of space at the top. If necessary, top off the jar with a little more filtered water to ensure all ingredients are submerged.
5. Refrigerate:
   • Seal the jar tightly with its lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the cucamelons pickle for at least 24 hours to develop full flavors. These quick pickles can be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 weeks.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Servings: 1 jar

Prep Time

• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 24 hours for refrigeration)

Cucamelon Quick Pickles offer a fantastic way to enjoy the intriguing flavors of this unique fruit. Their crisp texture and tangy taste make them an excellent addition to salads, cheese boards, or as a stand-alone snack. This recipe is not only a conversation starter but also a delightful way to explore the versatility of pickles. Give it a try and add a bit of whimsy to your pickle collection!

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