Among the various types of cucumbers, many people favor the ridged cucumber for its distinct aroma. The ridged cucumber also stands out for its more intense flavor and refreshing crunch.
So, how can we identify this unique variety? Let’s explore some tips below to distinguish the ridged cucumber from the rest.
Selecting Ridged Cucumbers
– Ridged cucumbers are slightly slender in shape, typically ranging from 15 to 20 cm in length, sometimes even shorter.
– Opt for cucumbers with a uniform shape. A slight curve is acceptable, but avoid those that are excessively bent or crooked.
– Choose ridged cucumbers with bright green skin.
– Ridged cucumbers tend to have a denser flesh with fewer and smaller seeds. When you bite into one, you’ll notice a satisfying crispness, and their flavor is more pronounced.
– One distinctive feature of ridged cucumbers is their aroma, reminiscent of steamed glutinous rice or pandan leaves. This unique fragrance makes them easily recognizable.
General Tips for Choosing Fresh and Delicious Cucumbers
Consider the Color
Fresh cucumbers should exhibit a vibrant shade of green, either dark or light. Contrary to popular belief, the softness of a cucumber is not determined by its color. Naturally grown cucumbers tend to have a darker shade due to ample sunlight exposure during their growth. In contrast, cucumbers grown with excessive fertilizer, growth stimulants, or in greenhouses may appear lighter in color due to reduced sunlight exposure. Therefore, opt for cucumbers with a deeper green hue.
Examine the Straightness
Cucumbers are naturally growing vines belonging to the gourd family. Their growth pattern can be influenced by various factors such as sunlight, temperature, and fertilization, which may result in slight curvature. Extremely straight cucumbers might indicate the use of growth stimulants. Hence, it is advisable to select slightly curved cucumbers while avoiding excessively bent or crooked ones. However, also refrain from choosing cucumbers that are overly curved, forming a circular shape, as these tend to be uneven in size and may indicate inadequate nutrition.
Observe the Flower at the Navel
When purchasing cucumbers, you may notice some still bearing a small flower at their navel, while most others do not. It is commonly believed that cucumbers with flowers are freshly picked. In reality, for naturally grown cucumbers, the flower at the navel will naturally fall off within a day, leaving a scar at the top. On the other hand, cucumbers treated with growth regulators may retain their flowers for an extended period, appearing very fresh and vibrant even days after harvesting. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid purchasing cucumbers with overly vibrant and persistent flowers at the navel.
Feel the Spines
When buying cucumbers, run your fingers over the small spines on their surface, which serve a protective purpose during the cucumber’s growth. Fresh cucumbers will have small, dense spines that easily detach when touched. However, if the spines are sparse and the surface feels relatively smooth, it may indicate that the cucumber is not fresh and has been stored for a more extended period.
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