cucumbers

2013-2014

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. It is a creeping vine that bears cucumiform fruits that are used as vegetables. There are three main varieties of cucumber: slicing, pickling, and seedless. Within these varieties, several cultivars have been created. In North America, the term "wild cucumber" refers to plants in the genera Echinocystis and Marah, but these are not closely related. The cucumber is originally from South Asia, but now grows on most continents. Many different types of cucumber are traded on the global market.

MY COMMENTS:

Cucumbers are vigorous climbers that are quite easy to grow. They need a trellis 4-5 ft. high.

The only problem I've had with them is that the summer heat stressed them so much that some of them turned quite bitter, to the point of being inedible. But when the harvest is good, a few plants will produce so many fruit that you won't know what to do with them, that is, you pickle them of course.

The salad cucumbers you buy at the store are usually not ripe enough to harvest seeds from.

INGREDIENTS

This is what you need:

cucumber seeds

Pic1: garden-fresh cucumbers
2013-09-05

Directions

Plant 3-5 seeds in place at 14"" distance at a trellis. Germinating time = 2-3 weeks.
Water regularly to prevent stressing the plants. It will make the fruit bitter if the plants are dry.
Harvest regularly. Young cucumbers usually are more tender and taste better.
Allow a few cucumbers to mature to harvest seeds for next season.

Pic2: cucumbers
2014-08-28
Pic3: cucumbers
2014-10-20
Pic4: pickles
2014-08-28

salad cucumbers

many dates

A very simple recipe, my favorite way of preparing salad cucumbers raw.

INGREDIENTS

This is what you need for each serving:

1/2 salad cucumber
sauce of your choice

Pic5: cucumbers with balsamic vinaigrette

Directions

Wash and dry the cucumbers.
If the peel isn't too bitter, peeling is optional.
Slice the cucumber as thinly as you can manage.
Add some balsamic vinaigrette or sauce of your choice.
Serve and enjoy.

Pic6: salad cucumbers
Pic7: sliced
Pic8: sauced (mojo de ajo)

See also: Deming, NM gardens, animals and more and avemariasongs.org

See also: Deming, NM gardens, animals and more
and avemariasongs.org