The Japanese cucumber, AKA Kyuri, is a member of the Cucuritaceae family, one of the most important food plant families, which also includes melons, gourds, squashes and pumpkins. Japanese cucumbers are the fruit of a trailing and climbing plant yet they are often referred to as a vegetable and utilized as such. They contain 96 percent water and their flesh can be up to 20 degrees cooler than their skin, a technical trademark that is quintessential to the fruits growth and survival in hot climates. There are three classifications of cucumbers: slicing, burpless and pickling. Japanese cucumbers are one of the zenith varieties of burpless cucumbers, though they can be used for slicing and pickling too. Though they are simply marketed as Japanese cucumbers, there are dozens of cultivars, heirloom and hybrid, short and long with names such as Satsuki and Soyu.

The Japanese cucumber has several advantages over common cucumbers. It is slender, thin-skinned, void of developed seeds, never bitter and entirely edible. The average harvested length is about four inches, while the cucumber is still young. Its skin is forest green and smooth with longitudinal grooves. The flesh is crisp, crunchy, succulent and tender firm. Its flavors are bright, effervescent and melon-like.

Serving Ideas

Japanese cucumbers are a versatile cucumber for culinary use. They can replace any cucumber in any recipe and achieve the same desired results. They are excellent for simply fresh eating whole or sliced, as a salad, crudite and sandwich ingredient. They are often pickled, utilizing an ancient pickling method called Shiozuke, meaning salt pickle, but they can also be quick pickled and eaten within 24 hours. Japanese cucumbers are a great cooling ingredient, utilized to contrast spicy and hot foods. They are also best used fresh when in-season as an ingredient in summer recipes. Classic preparations include gazpacho, ceviche, sushi, sashimi and bento. Cucumbers pair well with sweet, savory and spicy ingredients within a wide spectrum of cuisines. Best companion ingredients include tomatoes, citrus, rice, raw seafood, cured and smoked fish, melons, yogurt, chiles, pepper and mint.

Geography/History

Cucumbers are descendents of the wild cucumber, Cucumis hardwickii, native to the foothill regions of the Himalayas. The first cultivated varieties evolved out of ancient Egypt and areas within the Fertile Crescent. Early Japanese cucumber varieties were developed from cultivated varieties from China and most often preserved through pickling to sustain communities throughout the calendar year. Modern cultivars have been developed and bred for open field cropping and greenhouse growing. Open field Japanese cucumbers are planted on rotation with lettuce, tomatoes and bedding vegetables. Greenhouse cucumbers create the opportunity for year-round fresh market crops.

Seasons/Availability

Japanese cucumbers are available year round.