In response to the question, “What is prickly cucumber?”, it should be noted that the prickly cucumber is a variety (subspecies) of the common cucumber, differing in appearance and nature. We know that different varieties are cultivated from various fruits, and one of the most interesting and notable varieties of the common cucumber is the prickly cucumber. It offers a stronger aroma and taste than regular cucumbers and lacks the cooling nature typically associated with cucumbers. Prickly cucumber is cultivated globally on a significant scale.
In this article, we aim to thoroughly explore prickly cucumber, including its properties, nature, images, and cultivation methods. Additionally, we’ll introduce one of Sahar’s unique products, Sweet-Sour Cucumber, which is made from prickly cucumber.
If you’re interested in learning more about prickly cucumber and products derived from it, stay with us until the end of this article. For those without the time to read, we recommend watching the 2-minute video below.
What Are the Properties of Prickly Cucumber? What Is Its Nature?
Prickly cucumber is one of the key varieties of cucumber that is now widely cultivated across the globe. While it closely resembles the common cucumber, it has distinctive bumps on its surface. Prickly cucumber offers a stronger aroma and flavor, and its nature is warm. One of its most important properties is its ability to support health, particularly by protecting skin and hair. This product is widely cultivated throughout Iran, with a flourishing market due to its rapid growth rate and ease of cultivation.
Prickly cucumber and its extract are rich in various minerals and contain vitamins A and B, making it a valuable ingredient in the cosmetic and skincare industry.
Cultivation of Prickly Cucumber in Yazd and Kerman, and Its Export
Cucumber is native to warm regions, such as Kerman and Yazd, and its cultivation should ideally take place in areas with relatively warm climates. Like other native plants of warm regions, cucumbers are vulnerable to frost damage at temperatures below 10°C. To increase productivity in colder areas or during cold seasons in warm regions, this crop can be cultivated in greenhouses.
Currently, prickly cucumber is grown in numerous greenhouses across the country. This crop is particularly appealing to farmers, as it is not only popular for fresh consumption and use in the domestic food industry, but it also has strong export potential to other countries, including Russia. As a result, some farmers in Yazd and Kerman have also started cultivating this crop in greenhouses.
Prickly cucumber destined for export markets is generally harvested at larger sizes. The fruit is expected to have a diameter of 3 to 3.5 centimeters and a length of 18 to 25 centimeters. Its appeal in foreign markets largely depends on its larger size, cylindrical shape, dark color, and uniform shape and size. However, in the food industry, this product is used in various sizes to produce pickles, sweet-sour cucumbers, and relishes.
In many countries, prickly cucumber is consumed both fresh and in processed forms. This variety of cucumber has good shelf life, and a significant volume of greenhouse-grown prickly cucumbers is exported to neighboring countries, particularly Russia.
Cultivation of Prickly Cucumber
Prickly cucumber can be cultivated in greenhouses either by direct seeding in the soil or by transplanting seedlings. Depending on the growing conditions and the size of the harvested cucumbers, yields can vary from 60 to 160 tons per hectare in greenhouse settings.
Hybrid or F1 seeds are used for prickly cucumber cultivation, with approximately 20,000 to 30,000 seeds planted per hectare, depending on greenhouse conditions. Given the plant’s vigorous growth, prickly cucumber vines require regular pruning of leaves and branches throughout the growing phase. This practice not only helps prevent fungal diseases and pest infestations but also results in stronger plants, ultimately yielding higher-quality produce.
Sahar Food Industries has fostered partnerships with prominent greenhouse growers in Hamedan Province, establishing guaranteed contracts to promote the cultivation of prickly cucumber in the region. Currently, all of the prickly cucumber required by Sahar is sourced from Hamedan greenhouses, which adhere to all necessary standards.
The agricultural engineering team from Shabnam Sahar Alvand plays a vital role in expanding this crop’s cultivation, overseeing proper pesticide and fertilizer usage, and offering essential guidance and advice. By regularly visiting contracted greenhouses and providing technical support and consultancy to farmers, the Shabnam Sahar Alvand engineering team ensures the production of high-quality, compliant produce.
Prickly Cucumber Pickles
The shift toward consuming unhealthy foods, such as fast food with high salt content, has become an integral part of modern life. In response, Sahar Food Industries has prioritized the production of health-oriented products as part of its overall strategy. One of the newest health-focused products is Sahar’s Sweet-Sour Prickly Cucumber Pickles, made from prickly cucumber and marketed under the brand name Sahar Sweet-Sour Cucumber Pickles.
In producing Sahar Sweet-Sour Cucumber Pickles, we have reduced the salt content to create a new product with a delightful flavor, enhanced by unique spices. Below, we provide a comprehensive description of this tasty and healthy product.
Sweet-Sour Cucumber: A Start to Healthy Living
The bumps on Sweet-Sour Cucumber are one of its most intriguing features, often sparking curiosity among consumers. As mentioned above, these bumps are due to the unique texture of prickly cucumber. Sweet-Sour Cucumber offers a relatively crisp texture and a mildly sweet-sour flavor, making it a perfect addition to sandwiches and adding a distinctive taste to meals. Unlike regular pickles, it’s less salty yet brings a refreshing and unique flavor that some enjoy eating on its own. When eating Sweet-Sour Cucumber, you’ll experience a mix of tanginess, saltiness, and a hint of sweetness!
You can purchase this special and appealing product from Digikala or from reputable stores nationwide.
