Cucumber curiosities that you may want to know
27 May 2022
Cucumber is one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide. In Spain it is grown a lot because it is a staple in our Mediterranean diet, but also for export. Today we will talk about interesting curiosities about this vegetable.27 May 2022
Cucumber is one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide. In Spain it is grown a lot because it is a staple in our Mediterranean diet, but also for export. Today we will talk about interesting curiosities about this vegetable.Benefits of cucumber
Cucumber is 90 percent water. This makes it one of the most refreshing vegetables and ideal for summer consumption. The remaining percentage is made up of various antioxidants and Vitamin K, Vitamin C and Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). In addition, it also provides essential nutrients such as manganese, potassium and magnesium.
Existing cucumber types
The Dutch cucumber (also known as Almeria cucumber) is the most widely consumed type of cucumber worldwide. There are other types of cucumber such as Spanish, French or slicer, Armenian, Persian, Japanese, Kirby and lemon. The lemon cucumber is uncommon and very different from the others due to its rounded shape and yellow color.
Cucumber types can also be classified by their shape. There is the short cucumber or gherkin, oval, medium long cylindrical and long cylindrical. This classification is more used at commercial level to classify the varieties more easily.
Cucumber in Spain
Spain is one of the largest cucumber producing countries in the world, ranking ninth.
Cucumber cultivation is very important in several regions of our country, being a species whose agronomic value lies in its seasonal production.
Andalusia is the Autonomous Community with the largest cultivated area of this vegetable, both in the open air and in greenhouses. The provinces that stand out for having the largest cultivated area are Almeria and Granada with greenhouse cultivation. The province of Almeria covers more than 55% of the total cultivated area.
Although in Spain the most consumed type of cucumber is the Spanish cucumber (also called French or slicer) which is characterized by being smaller and with a thicker and rougher skin, the type of this vegetable that is most cultivated in Spain is the Dutch cucumber. The latter is characterized by its more elongated shape and smooth skin.
The Dutch cucumber or Almeria cucumber, hence its name, is the most planted especially in this province due to its great demand in the domestic market, so Spain is considered a major exporter of this type.
Dutch cucumber varieties recommended for cultivation
Chencho
- Long cucumber variety adapted to high temperature conditions and long days due to its excellent fruit set capacity in hot weather.
- Medium-large leaf plant with short internodes, 1-2 fruits per joint.
- Dark, well-formed fruits 28-30 cm long.
- With continuous and uniform production, it is a variety recommended for early autumn cycles and spring cultivation.
Pancho
- This variety is particularly suitable for medium autumn sowings.
- Vigorous plant with open habit and short internode.
- Dark leaf of medium size.
- Fruits of 30-32 cm of attractive ribbed and shiny dark green color.
- Absence of bottleneck and good pistillate closure.
For more information on how to obtain these seeds, contact Capital Genetic (CapGen Seeds) through their website or social media.
