Armenian cucumber melons look much like a cucumber, only often bent rather than straight. They have thin skin, soft flesh and a line of small seeds which can be easily removed if you wish. The fruits are gently ribbed. They start out a lush green and turn yellow when ripe.
How do you know when to pick Armenian cucumbers?
We harvest the cucumbers when they’re 8 to 15 inches long and just over an inch across. Carosello Barese – This Italian heirloom offers the same crisp, fresh flavor as Armenian cucumbers in a compact, oval-shaped fruit. We pick these when they’re four inches long and one and a half to two inches across.
How Big Should Armenian cucumbers get?
between 12-18 inches long
Harvesting tips for Armenian cucumbers
Although fruits can grow to 3 feet long in a hurry, they are best picked between 12-18 inches long and 2 ½ inches in diameter.
Do you have to peel Armenian cucumbers?
There is no need to peel the Armenian cucumber as its thin skin makes it an ideal fresh slicing cucumber.
Can you eat the skin of an Armenian cucumber?
What is this? Feggous or Armenian cucumbers often have a curved shape (hence the “bendy” name) and have thin, ridged skin. They’re somewhat drier than regular cucumbers and all of it is edible; nothing goes to waste as usually the skin is eaten, too.
Why are my Armenian cucumbers bitter?
The actual cause of bitterness in cucumbers and other gourds, like zucchini, is due to a compound known as cucurbitacin. This compound is always present in cucumbers, but the levels change based on the growing process of the vegetables. The higher the level of cucurbitacin, the more bitter the cucumber.
What makes Armenian cucumbers bitter?
Cucumber plants that are stressed during the growing season may produce fruit that is bitter flavored. Commonly a lack of water or temperatures too cold or too hot cause cucumbers to bear bitter-tasting fruit.
Do Armenian cucumbers taste like regular cucumbers?
The Armenian cucumber, Cucumis melo var. flexuosus, is a type of long, slender fruit which tastes like a cucumber and looks somewhat like a cucumber inside. It is actually a variety of muskmelon (C. melo), a species closely related to the cucumber (C.
How often should I water my Armenian cucumber?
Keep the soil continuously moist for the best growing conditions. Give the Armenian cucumbers at least 1 1/2 inches of water each week. Thin the cucumbers so they’re about a foot apart.
Do Armenian cucumbers taste good?
Armenian cucumbers, an heirloom variety, has high yields of unusual, mild-tasting fruit that turn yellow when fully ripe (for seed saving). They are great for slicing and pickling. The fruits have a cantaloupe-like aroma when sliced.
Why is it called Armenian cucumber?
In America however, this long slender vegetable became known as the Armenian Cucumber, forever tied to the dispersal of Genocide survivors in the Ottoman Empire, who brought their culinary legacy with them and got to work spreading the good news about the “gootah.” This is the story of Armenian immigration through the
Why do you rub the end of a cucumber?
Therefore, cutting off the end of a cucumber and stimulating the cut side draws out the cucurbitacin and cuts down on the bitterness. If you really hate bitter flavors, then you can also peel off the dark green skin.
Do Armenian cucumbers cause gas?
Some foods are more prone to producing gas, such as onions, celery, and cucumbers. Foods high in fiber have more of the “gas” forming characteristics which can cause that burping issue.
What color are Armenian cucumbers?
light green
Armenian cucumber with handsome, light green, thin skin is burpless, nearly seedless, and more tolerant of heat than most cucumbers. Sometimes called serpent cucumber or yard long, it is technically a variety of melon!
How do I save my Armenian cucumber seeds?
Store cucumber seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place in an airtight container to keep out moisture and humidity. When stored under these conditions, cucumber seeds will remain viable for 5 years.
Can you pick a cucumber too early?
Can you pick a cucumber too early? Cucumbers can’t really be picked too early, though allowing them to ripen to their ideal size will give you the best texture and flavor. Young cucumbers will be sweet, but very crunchy.
Does rubbing the cut end of a cucumber make it less bitter?
Rubbing the Ends
This is one of the most popular and commonly used methods to remove the bitterness of cucumber. All you need to do is thinly cut off the last part of the stem or blossom end of the cucumber and with that piece rub the end of the cucumber in a circular motion.
What happens if you eat bitter cucumbers?
Reactions to cucurbitacin include gastrointestinal upsets with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. So, if you come across any bitter-tasting member of the cucurbitaceae family – cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, squash, melon etc. – it is best to stop eating it immediately.
How do I make my cucumbers soft and crisp?
Tip of the Day: Crisping Cucumbers
- Arrange cucumbers in a strainer placed inside a medium sized bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt.
- Cover with ice cubes.
- Refrigerate for an hour.
- Voila! Pat dry and refrigerate until ready to use!
How do I make my cucumbers sweeter?
If you want your cucumbers to be sweeter, plant them alongside sunflowers. As they grow, the cucumber tendrils will use the stout sunflower stalks for climbing support, and you’ll have the sweetest cucumbers you’ve ever eaten. This is known as companion planting.
Is an Armenian cucumber the same as an English cucumber?
Similar to the English, the Armenian cucumber is also long with minimal seeds, but these guys can vary in color from dark green to light green and even yellow-green, and can grow to be curvy or straight. They are botanically classified as a melon and smell a bit like cantaloupe when sliced.