Produce Briefs...
Italian Black Summer Truffles
Black summer truffles are more subtle than the winter variety. Shave truffle over cooked potatoes, toss with herbs and a shallot vinaigrette. Thinly shave truffle over scrambled eggs.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Seasons/Availability
Japanese cucumbers are available year round.
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.
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.
Applications
Japanese cucumbers are a versatile cucumber for culinary use. They can replace any cucumber in any recipe and achieve the same desired results. They are excellent for simply fresh eating whole or sliced, as a salad, crudite and sandwich ingredient. They are often pickled, utilizing an ancient pickling method called Shiozuke, meaning salt pickle, but they can also be quick pickled and eaten within 24 hours. Japanese cucumbers are a great cooling ingredient, utilized to contrast spicy and hot foods. They are also best used fresh when in-season as an ingredient in summer recipes. Classic preparations include gazpacho, ceviche, sushi, sashimi and bento. Cucumbers pair well with sweet, savory and spicy ingredients within a wide spectrum of cuisines. Best companion ingredients include tomatoes, citrus, rice, raw seafood, cured and smoked fish, melons, yogurt, chiles, pepper and mint.
Geography/History
Cucumbers are descendents of the wild cucumber, Cucumis hardwickii, native to the foothill regions of the Himalayas. The first cultivated varieties evolved out of ancient Egypt and areas within the Fertile Crescent. Early Japanese cucumber varieties were developed from cultivated varieties from China and most often preserved through pickling to sustain communities throughout the calendar year. Modern cultivars have been developed and bred for open field cropping and greenhouse growing. Open field Japanese cucumbers are planted on rotation with lettuce, tomatoes and bedding vegetables. Greenhouse cucumbers create the opportunity for year-round fresh market crops.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Cucina Urbana | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Stingaree | San Diego CA | 619-544-0867 |
| Baja Asiatio | Tijuana CA | 619-890-4448 |
| Cowboy Star | San Diego CA | 619-450-5880 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Cork and Platter | San Diego CA | 619-253-8311 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Bernard'O Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-487-7171 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Plan Cha | La Mesa CA | 619-213-4277 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Japanese Cucumber. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Japanese Cucumber using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Fresh Mart Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 13 days ago Spotter's comments : Japanese cucumbers are available . ???? ?? ??????? Near Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan About 18 days ago Spotter's comments : I spotted Japanese Cucumbers at ???? ?? ???????! Japanese cucumbers are of course here at Petit Market in Toyko. Santa Monica Farmers Market Near Santa Monica, California, United States About 30 days ago Spotter's comments : Wong Farms, North Shore, CA No190 North Chongqing Road Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 35 days ago Spotter's comments : Japanese Cucumbers are available . Santa Monica Farmers Market Near Santa Monica, California, United States About 37 days ago Spotter's comments : Wong Farms. Delicious! Golden Hill Farmers Market Near San Diego, California, United States About 55 days ago Spotter's comments : Carlsbad California Strawberries is selling Japanese cucumbers at the golden hill farmers market today. Amazing crunch, great for pickling. Santa Monica Farmers Market Near Santa Monica, California, United States About 58 days ago Spotter's comments : Yasutomi farms has tasty Japanese cucumbers today at the market. Santa Monica Farmers Market Near Santa Monica, California, United States About 72 days ago Spotter's comments : Yasutomi farms, Pico Rivera, CA has beautiful organic cucs for sale. |
