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Crisper, more flavourful and easier to eat than other cucumber varieties, the pint-sized Persian cucumber is what your summer salads and salsas have been waiting for.
What are Persian cucumbers?
As the name implies, Persian cucumbers are a type of cucumber that originated in Persia (modern-day Iran). They are smaller than many other varieties, at just 4 to 6 inches long, and are prized for their thin skin and lack of seeds, both of which make them much simpler to eat, without the need for peeling or removal of pips. They are often referred to as a ‘burpless’ cucumber, because they are so easy to digest, and don’t make you burp like other cucumbers can.
The difference between Persian cucumbers and English cucumbers
Persian cucumbers are sometimes confused with the more well-known English cucumber, another variety with thin, edible skin and very few seeds. The easiest way to tell the two apart is by size, with the English cucumber measuring in at up to a foot long, almost twice the length of its little Persian cousin. The Persian cucumber also has a crisper bite, while the English variety can be a little watery, and although both have a fairly mild flavour, the Persian is a little more pronounced, with a sweetness that the English lacks. So if you’re looking for a crunchier, more flavourful cucumber to liven up your salads, Persian cucumbers could be just what you need.
Benefits and nutritional values
As with all cucumbers, Persian cucumbers are extremely low in calories, with around 18 per 100g serving, and are also fat free. They have a high water content, at around 95%, which makes them a great way to stay hydrated, and they also provide a good source of fibre, antioxidants, vitamins C and K, magnesium, potassium and manganese.
There are several potential health benefits of eating Persian cucumbers:
They contain antioxidants, which help protect your cells against damage from free radicals, harmful substances that can cause several chronic illnesses, including cancer.
Their high water content may also prove beneficial in several ways. An analysis of several studies shows that eating foods that are high in water but low in calories may aid weight loss, and proper hydration also helps maintain healthy bowel movements. In fact, cucumbers may be particularly good for your digestive system, as they also contain a type of fibre called pectin, which may be able to speed up the movement of intestinal muscles, as well as helping to feed ‘friendly’ gut bacteria.
Storage and freezing
Cucumbers are quite delicate, and are prone to spoil if not stored properly. We’ve all had a cucumber or two turn to mush in the crisper drawer, but this can easily be avoided if you avoid two things - moisture and excess cold.
Larger varieties of cucumber tend to be individually wrapped to protect them from moisture, but Persian cucumbers are often sold several to a bag, which can make them vulnerable. To keep them fresher for longer, remove them from their packing, wash them well, then dry them very well, making sure there is no moisture on their surfaces. Next, wrap each cucumber in paper towels and place them inside a bag, leaving it unsealed to allow any moisture to escape.
When it comes to putting your cucumbers in the refrigerator, the crisper drawer may seem like the most obvious spot, but in this case it may not be ideal. Cucumbers are prone to accelerated decay, wilting, and pitting at temperatures below 50°F, and should be kept away from the coldest parts of the refrigerator, which are at the back and at the bottom, where the crisper drawer is usually found. They should also be kept away from ethylene-producing fruit like bananas, apples and tomatoes, to prevent them from over-ripening. Stored in this way, whole cucumbers can last for 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, but once cut, they should be eaten within 2 to 3 days.
If you need to keep your cucumbers for longer, they can be frozen, but they will lose their texture. Frozen cucumbers can be used to flavour drinks and cocktails, or to make soups and dips, but they won’t have the same crunch as fresh cucumbers if you’re making a salad.
To freeze cucumbers, wash and dry them well, then slice them up and place the slices onto a lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and leave it until the slices are frozen, then move them to a ziplock bag, mark it with the date, and replace in the freezer.
Recipes
Salad-e shirazi (Persian cucumber, tomato and onion salad)
This popular Iranian recipe, courtesy of NYT Cooking, is the ideal showcase for the Persian cucumber. Bright, crunchy and tart, it is the perfect counterpoint to rich Persian stews. The diced vegetables are mixed in a bowl, then dressed with vinaigrette and lime juice just before serving. Best served at room temperature or lightly chilled.
Cucumber salad
The best cucumber salad recipe: another fresh and tasty salad, this time from Cookie and Kate, this recipe balances crunchy Persian cucumbers with creamy avocado and a garlic and balsamic dressing for a delicious contrast of flavours and textures. Very simple to make, just whisk up the dressing and toss through the avocado and cucumber. Serve immediately. You might want to add rocket, halved cherry tomatoes or chopped radishes.
Cucumber and mint gazpacho
Add an extra boost of flavour to this refreshing summer appetiser by using Persian cucumbers instead of your regular variety. A fresh green alternative to the Spanish classic, purée the cucumber, mint leaves, crème fraiche and ice cubes before adding milk, lemon juice and seasoning.
If you’re hungry for more deliciously different salad ingredients, take a look at our introduction to white cucumbers.
