Persian Cucumbers – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are Persian cucumbers?

Persian cucumbers are cucumbers similar to Kirby, Japanese, lemon, Armenian, and English cucumbers. They are characterized by their cylindrical shape and smooth skin. These vegetables can be eaten with or without the skin, and the flavor will stay the same.

These cucumbers grow to be about 4 to 6in in length and have thick dark green skin that’s crunchy and usually sweet. They’re also pretty much seedless and less watery than regular cucumbers.

While normal cucumbers have a bad rap for giving you gas, this variety is considered a burpless cucumber.

Traditionally, people chopped them up and put them into yogurt along with mint. But these days, you can find Persian cucumbers in sauces, dips, and soups. They’re also used as a pizza topping, chopped up and added to salads, or served as a quick-fried side dish for protein.

Where did Persian cucumbers originate from?

The Persian cucumber originated in Persia in 1939, but they’re cultivated all over the world today. Originally, it was a staple of every Middle Eastern salad, including Tel Aviv and Tehran. However, the popularity of these cucumbers spread across the Middle East and to other regions, and they became known as the “Persian” cucumber.

Cucumbers, in general, are thought to have originated in India, and they’ve been grown there for more than 3,000 years.

How are Persian cucumbers grown?

Persian cucumbers grow best in soil at least 70°F because they’re extremely susceptible to frost damage. They also need at least 6 hours of sunlight every day.

To start growing, find a site with well-draining, fertile soil. Good soil has lots of organic matter, like compost. Try adding some compost to the soil to help your cucumbers get a good start. You can also use an organic fertilizer like manure to give them nutrients while they’re trying to grow.

As with any plant, water them regularly. And don’t wait too long to pick them—you don’t want them to get too big. Otherwise, they’ll have a bitter taste to them.

The best time to pick Persian cucumbers is when they get about 4 to 6in long. Pick cucumbers every couple of days during peak harvesting time.

When are Persian cucumbers in season?

Even though they’re best in the summer months when they’re in season, Persian cucumbers are available all year long, just like regular cucumbers.

How do you pick Persian cucumbers at the grocery store?

When shopping for Persian cucumbers, look for ones that have rigid skin with zero wrinkles. You should also look for ones with a healthy, green color, perhaps with a few spots from sun exposure. If your Persian cucumbers were cooled when you bought them, try to keep them that way. If not, it’s fine to store them in the fridge.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for Persian cucumbers via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for Persian cucumbers.

How to store Persian cucumbers

If you want to extend the life of your Persian cucumbers, take them out of the tray you likely bought them in and throw away the wrapping. Put your Persian cucumbers in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer or store them at room temperature since cucumbers don’t really do well in the cold.

You could also place them on the door or toward the front of one of the shelves where it’s not as cold.

Also, remember to keep these cucumbers away from tomatoes, bananas, and melons because they all produce a lot of ethylene, which can cause cucumbers to ripen and spoil faster.

How to tell if Persian cucumbers are bad

You’ll know your Persian cucumbers are bad if you start seeing a slimy white film. That’s probably the first sign of spoilage.

Another sign is if they start to feel mushy or slimy on the outside.

What can I substitute for Persian cucumbers?

Don’t have Persian cucumbers? You can substitute them with any of the following vegetables:

• Cucumbers
• Zucchini
• Celery
• Jicama
• Iceberg lettuce
• Squash
• Fennel
• Green beans
• Borage Leaves

How to choose the best Persian cucumbers

Today, Persian cucumbers are eaten all over the world and are known for their great health benefits. Need some Persian cucumbers in your kitchen? Get fresh produce delivery with Instacart and choose same-day delivery.

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