Technically, all cucumbers, Cucumis sativus, are a fruit but are treated and eaten as a vegetable. They are members of the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. There are three classifications of cucumbers: slicing, burpless and pickling. Persian cucumbers, AKA Beit Alpha, have become the pinnacle variety of burpless cucumbers. Though they are simply marketed as Persian cucumbers, there are several different cultivars of Persian cucumbers, both heirloom and hybrid, including Figaro and Cordito.

Persian cucumbers deliver a trifecta of qualities that set them apart from what we know as common garden cucumbers. Their skin is smooth, thin and perfectly textured, their flesh is crisp, sweet, succulent, and void of developed seeds. They have an amazing capacity to retain water and to remain cool. The interior flesh may be up to twenty degrees cooler than the skin. The perfect Persian cucumber measures 4 to 6 inches in length, as this is the size when it is at its peak of sweetness. If allowed to grow bigger, bitter tasting seeds can develop which compromises the cucumber's sweetness.

Serving Ideas

Although Persian cucumbers enjoy the classification as a burpless variety, their culinary utilities are much more versatile, as they can be treated as a slicer and even a pickling cucumber out of both choice and necessity. Thus, you can use Persian cucumbers in a multitude of applications to provide both textural and flavor qualities. Persian cucumbers can absorb other flavors quite quickly, which gives them the opportunity to act as a vehicle for spices in a short period of time. Consider using Persian cucumbers as a salad ingredient, for salsas and creamy dressings. They are a great cooling ingredient in hot dishes, make a perfect accoutrement to roasted fish and lamb, pair well with mint, chiles, mustard, cumin, citrus and fresh cheeses, such as chevre, feta and cotija.

Geography/History

Persian cucumbers are perhaps the most historic cucumber, their origins lying in the Fertile Crescent where North Africa meets the Middle East. Their cultivation evolved from a kibbuts in North Israel. Kibbutz are traditionally agricultural communities whose economy is reliant on the crops they collectively raise. Persian cucumbers have since created a success for agricultural communities throughout both the Old and New World. They thrive in warm, dry, arid climates, most productively though, within greenhouses, protected from nature's elements, which can contribute to disease, flawed skin and of course, pests. Persian cucumbers have experienced a surge of popularity in the United States since the late 20th Century and are often replacing common cucumber varieties at both farmers markets and specialty markets as consumers prefer their taste, texture and versatility.

Seasons/Availability

Persian cucumbers are available year round.