The season for braised cucumbers is relatively short. On the other hand, their cultivation requires a lot of patience and attention, because the pumpkin plants place high demands on their environment. Anyone who dares to cultivate can harvest delicate fruits that are suitable for cooking.
When is the season for braised cucumbers?
The braised cucumber season extends from June to September, with the main harvest season beginning in July. During this time, the fruits can be used in a similar way to cucumbers, as their skin is still green and less bitter.
What are braised cucumbers?
Behind this are cucumbers of the species Cucumis sativus, which are mainly grown outdoors and are sometimes marketed as country cucumbers. They grow small and thick and develop a leathery shell that is unsuitable for consumption due to its consistency and bitter substances. The taste of these cucumbers is more intense than the aroma of typical cucumbers. Because their flesh has a low water content, it doesn't break down easily during cooking. In the 70s, braised cucumber was a popular ingredient for cooking dishes.
Cultivating braised cucumbers
The 'Delikatess' variety is a common country cucumber variety that you can cultivate in your garden. However, care requires a little more attention because the plants are very demanding.
Requirements
Country cucumbers are heavy feeders that thrive in nutrient-rich soil. The subsoil is ideally sandy and humus-rich and has been prepared with compost. The pumpkin family loves a location in full sun where the fruits receive even sunlight.
They require a lot of space because their plant mass expands up to one square meter. If climbing aids such as wire mesh are available, the vegetables grow vertically. Because of their large leaves, braised cucumbers evaporate excessive amounts of water. Regular watering is essential during the summer.
Cultivation
Sow the seeds from mid-April into seed pots (€8.00 on Amazon) that you have filled with a nutrient-poor substrate. The seeds will germinate within the next ten days when temperatures are around 20 degrees. Keep the soil evenly moist without causing waterlogging. A foil ensures constant humidity.
Since the pumpkin family is sensitive to cold and loves warmth, the young plants are only allowed to go into the garden after the Ice Saints from mid-May. Here they can tolerate heat periods without any problems if you make sure you have enough water. You can promote growth through occasional fertilization with nettle manure and liquid fertilizer.
Taking advantage of the harvest season
Braised cucumbers are in season from June to September, with the main harvest usually starting in July. At this early stage, the peel is still completely green and slightly bitter, so you can use the vegetable like cucumbers. As it matures, light stripes develop on the skin, which becomes firmer and more leathery. When ripe, the fruits reach a thickness of eight centimeters. They are cylindrical and grow up to 15 centimeters long.
Notes on freshness:
- Harvest cucumbers when the skin is smooth and the ends are firm
- Shelf life is about a week in the refrigerator
- Soft spots and wrinkles indicate storage for too long
