The pickle season is relatively short. On the other hand, their cultivation requires a lot of patience and attention, because the cucurbits make high demands on their environment. Those who dare to cultivate it may harvest delicious fruits that are suitable for cooking.
Stewed cucumbers are relatively rare to find
What are pickles?
Hidden behind this are cucumbers of the species Cucumis sativus, which are mainly grown outdoors and are sometimes marketed as country cucumbers. They grow small and thick and develop a leathery skin that is not suitable for consumption due to its consistency and bitterness. The taste of these cucumbers is more intense than the aroma of typical cucumbers. Because their flesh has a low water content, it doesn't break down as easily during cooking. In the 1970s, the stewed cucumber was a popular ingredient for cooking dishes.
Cultivate pickled cucumbers
The cultivar 'Delikatess' is a common variety of country cucumber that you can cultivate in your garden. However, the care requires a little more attention, because the plants are very demanding.
conditions
Cucumbers are heavy feeders that thrive on nutrient-rich soil. The subsoil is ideally sandy and humic and has been prepared with compost. The cucurbits love a location in full sun where the fruits are evenly sunned.
They need a lot of space, because their plant mass expands up to one square meter. If climbing aids such as chicken wire (€14.99) are available, the vegetables will grow in a vertical direction. Because of their large leaves, stewed cucumbers evaporate an excessive amount of water. Regular watering is essential during the summer.
cultivation
From mid-April, sow the seeds in seed pots (€16.68) that you have filled with a nutrient-poor substrate. The seed will germinate within the next ten days when temperatures are around 20 degrees. Keep the soil evenly moist without waterlogging. A film ensures constant humidity.
Since the cucurbits are sensitive to cold and love warmth, the young plants are only allowed to wander into the garden after the Ice Saints, from mid-May. Here they tolerate hot spells without any problems if you pay attention to an adequate water supply. Occasional fertilization with nettle manure and liquid fertilizer will encourage growth.
Take advantage of the harvest season
Stewed cucumbers are in season from June to September, with the main harvest usually taking place from July. At this early stage, the skin is still completely green and has little bitterness, so you can use the vegetable like cucumbers. As it matures, light streaks develop on the skin, which becomes firmer and leatherier. When ripe, the fruits reach a thickness of eight centimeters. They are cylindrical and grow up to 15 centimeters long.
Notes on freshness:
- Harvest cucumbers when the skin is smooth and the ends are firm
- Shelf life is about a week in the refrigerator
- soft spots and creases indicate excessive storage