Welcome to your cucumber-picking adventure! At our U-Pick farm, we’re growing three delicious varieties for you to harvest: the crisp Corinto, the classic Marketmore 76, and The General cucumber varieties. Whether you’re slicing them up for a snack, whipping up a fresh salad, or turning them into crunchy pickles, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.
How to Harvest Cucumbers: Pick the Perfect Crunch!
Harvesting cucumbers is a refreshing and rewarding experience! Here’s how you can pick the freshest and most flavorful cucumbers from our vines:
Step-by-Step Harvesting Guide:
Size it up – Harvest cucumbers when they’re firm and between 4-9 inches, depending on the variety.
Look behind the leaves – cucumbers can blend in with the leaves on the vine. Slightly move the leaves aside to find the cucumbers.
Check the color – Look for cucumbers that are deep green and free of yellow spots.
Cut, don’t tug – Use scissors to snip the cucumber from the vine, leaving a small stem attached.
Be gentle – Carefully move the vines to avoid damaging them, as more cucumbers will keep growing!
Rinse and go! – Wash your freshly picked cucumbers at our station, then take them home for a crunchy trea9
Nutritional Benefits: Hydration & Health in Every Bite!
Cucumbers aren’t just a cool, refreshing snack—they’re loaded with nutritional benefits that make them a must for any diet:
- Hydration heroes: Cucumbers are 95% water, making them a great way to stay hydrated.
- Low-calorie snack: Cucumbers are perfect for guilt-free snacking.
- Packed with vitamins: They contain Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and antioxidants for better skin and heart health.
- Digestive boost: Cucumbers provide a good source of fiber, aiding in digestion.
How to Clean and Store Your Cucumbers: Keep ‘Em Fresh!
After you’ve filled your basket with fresh cucumbers, here’s how to make them last longer at home.
Cleaning Your Cucumbers:
- Give them a rinse – Use cold water to wash off any dirt or garden residue.
- No need to peel – The skin is full of nutrients, so unless you prefer peeled cucumbers, keep them whole!
Storing Your Cucumbers:
- In the fridge: Cucumbers store best when wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a plastic bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer. They’ll last about 7-10 days.
- On the counter?: Cucumbers soften quickly at room temperature, so refrigerate them if you won’t eat them within a day or two.
Ways to Preserve Your Cucumbers: Keep the Crunch Year-Round
Don’t let those cucumbers go to waste—preserve them for later with these easy methods!
Fermented Pickles (No Vinegar Needed!)
Fermented pickles offer a tangy crunch with natural probiotics for a gut-friendly snack!
Ingredients:
- Fresh cucumbers (whole or sliced)
- 2 tbsp sea salt (non-iodized)
- 2 cups filtered water
- Garlic cloves (optional)
- Fresh dill (optional)
- Red pepper flakes or mustard seeds (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the brine: Dissolve the salt in the filtered water to create your brine.
- Pack the jar: Add cucumbers, garlic, dill, and spices into a clean jar, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Add the brine: Pour the saltwater brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. If needed, use a clean weight to keep the cucumbers below the brine level.
- Cover and ferment: Loosely cover the jar (a cheesecloth or fermentation lid works great). Leave at room temperature for 3-7 days. Check daily for bubbles, which means fermentation is happening!
- Taste test: Once your cucumbers reach the desired tanginess, move them to the fridge to halt fermentation. They’ll last for months refrigerated!
Canned Pickles (Vinegar-Based)
Want pickles that last all year? Canning cucumbers is a classic way to preserve them for months to come!
Ingredients:
- Fresh cucumbers (whole or sliced)
- 4 cups vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 4 cups water
- 4 tbsp pickling salt
- Fresh dill
- Garlic cloves
- Pickling spices (optional)
Directions:
- Sterilize jars: Wash and sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the brine: In a large pot, combine vinegar, water, and pickling salt. Bring to a boil and stir until the salt dissolves.
- Pack jars: Pack your clean jars with cucumbers, garlic, dill, and optional pickling spices, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top.
- Pour brine: Pour the hot brine into the jars, covering the cucumbers completely but still leaving that ½ inch of headspace.
- Seal jars: Wipe the rims of the jars clean and place the lids on, securing them with rings.
- Process the jars: Using a boiling water bath, process the jars for 10-15 minutes, depending on your altitude. Remove the jars and let them cool completely before checking that the lids are sealed.
- Store: Store canned pickles in a cool, dark place. They’ll keep for up to a year
Three Easy Cucumber Recipes: From Fresh to Fabulous!
Cucumber Yogurt Dip (Tzatziki)
Ingredients:
- 2 cucumbers, grated and drained
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or mint (optional)
Directions:
- Mix the grated cucumber with yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Serve with pita or veggies for dipping!
Quick Pickled Cucumbers
Ingredients:
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 clove garlic (optional)
- Fresh dill (optional)
Directions:
- In a jar, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and garlic.
- Add cucumber slices and fresh dill if desired.
- Let sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 medium cucumbers, sliced
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp vinegar (red wine or apple cider)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or basil (optional)
Directions:
- Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss. Garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!