Filipino Cantaloupe Juice with Lemongrass and Dried Plum

This Filipino-style cantaloupe juice recipe skips added sugar and brings a Southeast Asian twist to the beloved Filipino summer drink, melon sa malamig.

Just recently, I made this refreshing Filipino-style cantaloupe juice with a leftover dried sour plum in my fridge and a stalk of fresh lemongrass, it turned out surprisingly good! As much as I love pure cantaloupe juice itself, I also appreciate a bit of zestiness in my fruit juice.

This combination is inspired by a drink I grew up loving. If you have tried ambra juice with dried plum or calamansi with dried plum, you will love the twist on this traditional Filipino melon juice. And if you do, you will probably salivate just by thinking of this version of sweet and sour cantaloupe juice!

Table of Contents

• About Filipino Cantaloupe Juice
• What is Dried Sour Plum?
• Ingredients to Make Cantaloupe Juice with Lemongrass & Dried Plum
• Step-by-step Instruction
• Useful Tip ☝️
• What is Cantaloupe Juice Good For?
• Other Hydrating Drinks You Might Like

About Filipino Cantaloupe Juice

This grated cantaloupe-infused water is called Melon Sa Malamig, which translates to “Melon on cold” in Filipino. Sa malamig refers to a variety of sweet, chilled, hydrating drinks, and it’s typically sold by street vendors or in local restaurants.

Unlike most fruit juice that is extracted or blended, Filipino melon juice is made by grating the cantaloupe with a melon scraper (also known as a coconut scraper).

This drink is the upgraded version of classic Filipino juice, infused with dried plum and lemongrass. I skipped the sugar since the melon itself is already sweet.

So, if you are looking at how to make melon juice without a juicer or blender, this recipe is perfect for you. Plus, the texture gives you something to chew as you sip, slowing down the digestion process.

What is Dried Sour Plum?

Dried Sour Plum is a small plum preserved with salt, sugar, and sometimes licorice and star anise. Also known as kiamoy in Filipino, asam boi in Bahasa, li hing mui in Chinese, and Xí muội in Vietnam, it’s a sour and salty candied plum used across Asia. It’s often eaten with fruit, drinks, or even enjoyed as a sour candied snack.

Growing up, this dried sour plum was my go-to remedy for motion sickness whenever my family traveled long distances. The concentrated flavor of saltiness and sourness always helps with my nausea in the car. I know many people enjoy it as a tangy candy to stay awake during long classes, drives, or meetings.

Ingredients to Make Cantaloupe Juice with Lemongrass & Dried Plum

• Sweet and ripe Cantaloupe or musk melon – This is a key point in making cantaloupe juice sweet without added sugar. I mention below how to pick a sweet and ripe cantaloupe.

• Dried sour plum – This is a sour and salty agent in this drink, adding flavor to the drink.

• Lemongrass – Use to infuse a subtle aroma to the juice, complementing the cantaloupe juice without overpowering it. I use a fresh stalk of lemongrass. You may substitute it for paste.

• Ice cubes/crushed

Step-by-step Instruction

1. Steep the flavor water – In a mug, combine hot water, dried sour plum, and bruised lemongrass. Let it steep for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
   
2. Grate the cantaloupe – Cut the cantaloupe in half and remove the seeds with a spoon. Grate the inner flesh using a melon or coconut grater until you reach the greenish part near the rind. If you’re using a cheese grater, cut the melon into smaller chunks first to make it easier to handle.
   
3. Combine and mix – In a jug, combine the grated cantaloupe with the steeped, infused water. Add cold water to dilute. Since the sweetness of the cantaloupe can vary, adjust the water amount to suit your taste.
   
4. Garnish and serve – Garnish with mint leaves or a sprinkle of grated dried plum for an extra tangy kick, and serve over ice cubes. Enjoy!

Useful Tip ☝️

Serve the ice in individual glasses, so you can store the leftovers (if any) in the fridge without diluting them with ice. This will help to maintain the freshness and quality.

What is Cantaloupe Juice Good For?

Hydrating – Cantaloupe has a high water content. Drinking cantaloupe juice is a delicious way to increase water intake and hydrate!

Rich in Vitamin C – 1 cup of cantaloupe or 160g contains 17mg of Vitamin C, which is about 22.7% of the daily recommended intake for women and 18.9% for men (Source USDA). Vitamin C helps build collagen and supports the immune system.

Source of Vitamin A – Cantaloupe is rich in beta-carotene, which gives it an orange color. Our body converts beta carotene to Vitamin A or uses it as an antioxidant to fight cell damage from free radicals.

Rich in antioxidants – Vitamin C and beta carotene are 2 well-known antioxidants that help protect cells from everyday damage.

Fiber – Cantaloupe juice contains fiber from the fruit itself. A diet rich in fiber contributes to a healthy digestive system that leads to overall health!

Other Hydrating Drinks You Might Like

• Lotus seed drink with basil seeds – Lin Chi Kang
• Chinese Pomelo Sago
• Clear Coconut Jelly Agar-Agar