Japanese Cucumbers
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
The Japanese cucumber has several advantages over common cucumbers. It is slender, thin-skinned, void of developed seeds, never bitter and entirely edible. The average harvested length is about four inches, while the cucumber is still young. Its skin is forest green and smooth with longitudinal grooves. The flesh is crisp, crunchy, succulent and tender-firm. Its flavors are bright, effervescent and melon-like.
Seasons/Availability
Japanese cucumbers are available year-round with peak season in the summer.
Current Facts
The Japanese cucumber, AKA Kyuri, is a member of the Cucuritaceae family, one of the most important food plant families, which also includes melons, gourds, squashes and pumpkins. Japanese cucumbers are the fruit of a trailing and climbing plant yet they are often referred to as a vegetable and utilized as such. They contain 96 percent water and their flesh can be up to 20 degrees cooler than their skin, a technical trademark that is quintessential to the fruits growth and survival in hot climates. There are three classifications of cucumbers: slicing, burpless and pickling. Japanese cucumbers are one of the zenith varieties of burpless cucumbers, though they can be used for slicing and pickling too. Though they are simply marketed as Japanese cucumbers, there are dozens of cultivars, heirloom and hybrid, short and long with names such as Satsuki and Soyu.
