Cucumbers are an integral part of Vietnamese cuisine, and there are several varieties available in the market. Let’s explore the top 10 types of cucumbers commonly found in Vietnam and learn more about their unique characteristics.
1. Vietnamese Ridge Cucumber
Vietnamese Ridge Cucumber
The most famous and widely cultivated cucumber variety in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Ridge Cucumber. It is a vigorous vine with sturdy stems and many branches. The fruits are elongated, typically growing to a length of 20cm at maturity. The skin is green, and the flesh is thick, fragrant, crisp, and delicious. This variety tolerates cold well, resists pests and diseases, and grows rapidly with minimal care.
Vietnamese Ridge Cucumbers are predominantly grown in the northern provinces of Vietnam, particularly in the Red River Delta region. They are versatile and can be consumed fresh, pickled, or used in various culinary preparations.
Seeds of this variety are readily available at local shops and online marketplaces, with prices ranging from 60,000 to 70,000 VND per packet of 60 seeds.
2. White Cucumber
White Cucumber
The White Cucumber stands out from other cucumber varieties due to its unique white skin. Currently, it is a focus of interest for researchers and farmers alike.
White Cucumbers exhibit a color change during their maturation process, transitioning from green when young to white upon reaching maturity. The fruits are typically 4-6cm in length, with thin skins and a sweet, refreshing flavor. They can be harvested 40-50 days after planting, and the vines are relatively easy to grow, even in challenging conditions.
White Cucumbers are commonly used for pickling and are believed to have beneficial effects on blood pressure regulation and digestive health when consumed in this form.
Seeds of the White Cucumber variety are available for purchase at a price range of 30,000 to 40,000 VND per packet of 20 seeds.
3. Spiny Cucumber
Spiny Cucumber
Originating from Russia, the Spiny Cucumber is a self-pollinating variety known for its high yield and ease of cultivation. Each cluster produces 7-8 fruits, which can be harvested 30-45 days after sowing.
The Spiny Cucumber is easily recognizable by its dark green skin covered with small spines. The flesh is crisp and sweet, making it a delightful addition to salads or a refreshing snack when eaten fresh.
This variety thrives in Vietnam’s climate and can be grown in various regions without a specific area of concentration.
Seeds of the Spiny Cucumber are available for 15,000 to 20,000 VND per packet of 15 seeds.
4. Sword Cucumber
Sword Cucumber
The Sword Cucumber is a relatively new variety in Vietnam, but it has quickly gained popularity among farmers and gardeners.
Characterized by its dark green skin and surrounding spines, the Sword Cucumber truly shines with its impressive size. The fruits typically grow to a length of 30-50cm, and the flesh is solid, with minimal seeds, resulting in a sweet and juicy flavor.
Sword Cucumbers are widely cultivated in Vietnam due to their rapid growth, high yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and relatively low technical requirements for successful cultivation.
The seeds of this variety are available online and at agricultural stores, with prices ranging from 35,000 to 45,000 VND per 500g.
5. Cat Cucumber
Cat Cucumber
The Cat Cucumber is a unique variety with distinct characteristics that set it apart from the previously mentioned cucumbers. While the name may not be commonplace, its unusual qualities certainly deserve recognition.
The Cat Cucumber is distinguished by its substantial weight, with individual fruits averaging between 0.5 and 1 kg, and some even reaching 2 kg. The 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, including Lao Cai, Son La, and Yen Bai.
These cucumbers can be found in ethnic minority markets and online shops, with prices ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 VND per kilogram.
6. Smooth Cluster Cucumber
Smooth Cluster Cucumber
The Smooth Cluster Cucumber shares some similarities with the Spiny Cucumber, particularly in terms of its dark green skin and average length of about 10cm. However, as the name suggests, it lacks the small spines that characterize the Spiny Cucumber.
The fruits typically weigh around 90-100g and grow to a length of 10-12cm. With a short maturation period of 30-45 days and good resistance to pests and diseases, this variety is a farmer’s favorite.
Seeds of the Smooth Cluster Cucumber are readily available at local seed shops and online marketplaces, with prices ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 VND per packet of 10 seeds.
7. Baby Cucumber
Baby Cucumber
Hailing from Israel, the Baby Cucumber is a compact variety, typically growing to a length of 9-11cm. The skin is dark green and glossy, devoid of spines. The flesh is crisp and sweet, without any bitterness. Baby Cucumbers excel in cold tolerance and can be grown throughout the year.
Due to their ease of cultivation, Baby Cucumbers are widely grown in almost all provinces of Vietnam. They are commonly used as a side dish or incorporated into various culinary preparations, such as .
Seeds of the Baby Cucumber variety are available online and at seed shops, with prices ranging from 33,000 to 35,000 VND per packet 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, dark green fruits. The flesh is crisp and sweet, making it a refreshing addition to any meal. On average, the fruits can be harvested just 30 days after sowing.
Thai Cucumbers can be grown year-round in many regions of Vietnam. They are commonly used in salads, consumed fresh, or pickled.
Seeds of the Thai Cucumber variety are available for 20,000 to 25,000 VND per packet of 10 seeds.
9. Shiraz Cucumber
Shiraz Cucumber
The Shiraz Cucumber is a versatile variety that can adapt to various climatic conditions and exhibits strong resistance to pests and diseases.
Shiraz Cucumbers have an average length of 16-18cm, with dark green skin adorned with prominent stripes. The flesh is highly regarded for its crisp texture and sweet flavor.
Similar to other popular cucumber varieties, the Shiraz Cucumber does not have a specific area of concentration in Vietnam. It can be grown in various regions due to its adaptability and ease of cultivation. This variety is commonly consumed fresh, used in salads, or juiced.
Seeds of the Shiraz Cucumber are available for purchase at a price range of 24,000 to 30,000 VND per packet 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.
Belly Cucumbers are noticeably smaller than other varieties, with an average length of just 3-5cm. The skin is dark green and rough, while the flesh is thick and sweet, without any bitterness. They mature quickly, reaching harvest size in just 30-35 days.
This variety is predominantly grown in Dalat, a region known for its temperate climate. Belly Cucumbers are commonly used in salads, pickled, or incorporated into various dishes.
Seeds of the Belly Cucumber variety are available for 23,000 to 25,000 VND per packet of 10 seeds, depending on the seller’s location.
We hope that this overview of the 10 most common types of cucumbers in Vietnam has enriched your knowledge and provided valuable insights into the diverse world of cucumbers.
