Cucumbers are an integral part of Vietnamese cuisine, often appearing on dining tables across the country. Let’s explore the 10 most common types of cucumbers available in the Vietnamese market today and see how many you recognize!
1. Vietnamese Ridge Cucumber
Vietnamese Ridge Cucumber
The most famous and prevalent type of cucumber in Vietnam is undoubtedly the Vietnamese Ridge Cucumber.
This variety features a sturdy vine with numerous branches, bearing slender fruits that typically grow to around 20cm in length. Its skin is a vibrant green, encasing a thick, fragrant, crisp, and delectable flesh. This cucumber variety is remarkably resilient, demonstrating a strong tolerance to cold temperatures and pests, and it thrives with minimal care.
In Vietnam, the Vietnamese Ridge Cucumber is predominantly found in the northern provinces of the Red River Delta region. They are versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, pickled, or incorporated into various dishes.
Seeds of this cucumber variety are readily available at local shops and online marketplaces, typically priced between 60,000 and 70,000 VND per pack of 60 seeds.
2. White Cucumber
White Cucumber
The White Cucumber stands out from other cucumber varieties with its unique white skin. Currently, it is one of the most intriguing cucumber types, attracting attention for research and development.
White Cucumbers exhibit a green hue when young, but as they mature, their skin transforms into a white shade. The fruits are typically 4-6cm in length, boasting thin skin and a refreshing, subtly sweet flavor. With a quick maturation period of 40-50 days, this variety thrives even in challenging conditions and is relatively easy to cultivate.
White Cucumbers are commonly used for pickling and are known to possess blood pressure-regulating and stabilizing properties when consumed in this form.
Seeds of the White Cucumber variety are available for purchase, typically priced between 30,000 and 40,000 VND per pack of 20 seeds.
3. Spiny Cucumber
Spiny Cucumber
The Spiny Cucumber, native to Russia, is a self-pollinating variety known for its high yield and ease of cultivation. Each cluster of fruits yields 7-8 cucumbers, ready for harvest 30-45 days after sowing.
The Spiny Cucumber is easily identifiable by its deep green skin adorned with tiny spines. The flesh is remarkably crisp and sweet, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Well-suited to Vietnam’s climate, this cucumber variety is grown in various regions without a specific area of concentration. It is commonly used in salads, enjoyed fresh, or incorporated into cooked dishes.
Spiny Cucumber seeds are available for purchase, typically priced between 15,000 and 20,000 VND per pack of 15 seeds.
4. Sword Cucumber
Sword Cucumber
The Sword Cucumber is a relatively new variety in Vietnam, introduced only a few years ago, but it has quickly gained popularity among gardeners.
Characterized by its deep green skin and covered in spines, the most striking feature of the Sword Cucumber is its enormous size, with an average length ranging from 30-50cm. Its flesh is solid, virtually seedless, and boasts a sweet, juicy flavor.
Thanks to its rapid growth, high yield, pest resistance, and undemanding cultivation techniques, the Sword Cucumber is widely cultivated throughout Vietnam.
Seeds of the Sword Cucumber are available for purchase online and at agricultural stores, typically priced between 35,000 and 45,000 VND per 500g.
5. Cat Cucumber
Cat Cucumber
The Cat Cucumber is a unique variety that differs from the previously mentioned types. While its name may be less familiar, its distinctiveness warrants a mention.
What sets the Cat Cucumber apart is its substantial weight, with individual fruits averaging between 0.5-1kg, and some even reaching 2kg. Its flesh is sweet and refreshing, with a thick, crisp texture.
In Vietnam, the Cat Cucumber is cultivated by the Hmong ethnic group in the northern mountainous provinces of Lao Cai, Son La, and Yen Bai, among others.
You can find this intriguing cucumber variety at ethnic minority markets or online, typically priced between 30,000 and 50,000 VND per kilogram.
6. Smooth Cluster Cucumber
Smooth Cluster Cucumber
The Smooth Cluster Cucumber shares similarities with the Spiny Cucumber, boasting a deep green skin and an average length of around 10cm. However, as its name suggests, it lacks the tiny spines, presenting a smooth exterior.
Mature fruits typically weigh between 90-100g and reach lengths of 10-12cm. With a short growth period of 30-45 days and robust pest resistance, this variety is a farmer’s favorite.
Smooth Cluster Cucumber seeds are widely available at seed shops and online marketplaces, typically priced between 15,000 and 20,000 VND per pack of 10 seeds.
7. Baby Cucumber
Baby Cucumber
Originating from Israel, the Baby Cucumber boasts a compact size, typically measuring 9-11cm in length. Its skin is a deep, glossy green, devoid of spines. The flesh is crisp and sweet, with no hint of bitterness. Remarkably tolerant of cold temperatures, the Baby Cucumber can be grown throughout the year.
Due to its ease of cultivation, the Baby Cucumber is found in almost all provinces of Vietnam. It is commonly used as a side dish or incorporated into various dishes, such as .
Baby Cucumber seeds are available for purchase online and at seed shops, typically priced between 33,000 and 35,000 VND per pack of 10 seeds.
8. Thai Cucumber
Thai Cucumber
The Thai Cucumber is gaining popularity among farmers due to its high yield and short growth cycle.
Thai Cucumbers have an average length of 18-20cm, with straight, vibrant green fruits. Their flesh is crisp and sweet, making them a refreshing treat. With a rapid maturation period of just 30 days, they can be harvested soon after sowing.
Thai Cucumbers can be grown year-round in numerous regions of Vietnam. They are commonly used in salads, enjoyed fresh, or pickled.
Thai Cucumber seeds are available for purchase, typically priced between 20,000 and 25,000 VND per pack of 10 seeds.
9. Shiraz Cucumber
Shiraz Cucumber
The Shiraz Cucumber is a versatile variety, capable of thriving in various weather conditions and demonstrating strong pest resistance.
Shiraz Cucumbers have an average length of 16-18cm, with deep green skin adorned with prominent veins. Their flesh is highly regarded for its crisp, sweet texture.
Like other prevalent cucumber varieties, the Shiraz Cucumber does not have a specific area of concentration. It can be grown in numerous regions due to its adaptability and ease of cultivation. This variety is commonly enjoyed fresh, in salads, or juiced.
Shiraz Cucumber seeds are available for purchase, typically priced between 24,000 and 30,000 VND per pack of 10 seeds.
10. Belly Cucumber
Belly Cucumber
The Belly Cucumber is a hybrid variety originating from the United States, Japan, Thailand, and the Netherlands, well-suited to temperate climates.
Compared to other varieties, the Belly Cucumber is notably smaller, with an average length of just 3-5cm. Its skin is a deep green, slightly rough in texture, encasing a thick, sweet flesh devoid of bitterness. With a rapid growth cycle, it can be harvested 30-35 days after sowing.
The Belly Cucumber is predominantly grown in Dalat, a temperate region in Vietnam. It is commonly used in salads, pickled, or in dishes unique to the region.
Belly Cucumber seeds are available for purchase, typically priced between 23,000 and 25,000 VND per pack of 10 seeds, depending on the seller’s location.
There you have it! We’ve explored the 10 most common types of cucumbers found in the Vietnamese market. Hopefully, you’ve gained valuable insights and knowledge about these refreshing vegetables.
