The Armenian cucumber, AKA Yard-long melon and Snake melon, is defined within culinary terms by its appearance, however, it is botanically classified as a melon. Its scientific name is Cucumis melo var. flexuosus and it is a member of C. Pepo family along with muskmelons and honeydew melons.
Is a cucumber a melon?
The Melon Family, Cucurbitaceae, is a plant family commonly known as melons, gourds or cucurbits and includes crops like cucumbers, squashes (including pumpkins), luffas, melons (including watermelons).
Are Armenian cucumbers squash?
The Armenian cucumber is the one of the most popular vegetables in my garden, but it’s not actually a cucumber. Botanically, it’s a muskmelon and produces vigorous vines that bear long, slender fruits that look and taste like cucumbers; crisp, mildly sweet, and never bitter.
Why is it called Armenian cucumber?
In America however, this long slender vegetable became known as the Armenian Cucumber, forever tied to the dispersal of Genocide survivors in the Ottoman Empire, who brought their culinary legacy with them and got to work spreading the good news about the “gootah.” This is the story of Armenian immigration through the
How do Armenian cucumbers taste?
The Armenian cucumber is the “zucchini of the melon family.” It grows very quickly, going from too small to too big almost overnight. As the cucumber grows, its flesh turns from a tender, cucumber taste to something reminiscent of the crunch of a carrot and the taste of a watermelon rind.
What is considered a melon?
A melon is any of various plants of the family Cucurbitaceae with sweet, edible, and fleshy fruit. The word “melon” can refer to either the plant or specifically to the fruit. Botanically, a melon is a kind of berry, specifically a “pepo”.
Are Armenian cucumbers edible?
The Armenian cucumber is entire edible. There is no need to peel the Armenian cucumber. Its thin skin makes it an ideal fresh slicing cucumber. Armenian cucumbers favor being served raw in green leaf, chopped salads and pasta salads.
Should I peel Armenian cucumber?
In my experience, Armenian cucumbers have never needed peeling or de-seeding, so you can add that to the list of their virtues. If all you have are regular cucumbers, you can still make this salad. Just peel them if they are bitter and de-seed them if the seeds are well-developed.
Why is my Armenian cucumber bitter?
Cucumber plants that are stressed during the growing season may produce fruit that is bitter flavored. Commonly a lack of water or temperatures too cold or too hot cause cucumbers to bear bitter-tasting fruit.
What are Armenian cucumbers good for?
Armenian cucumbers are a good source of vitamins C, A, and K, and potassium.
Is Armenian cucumber healthy?
Armenian cucumber is great for your cardiovascular health as it is rich in potassium and helps in maintaining your blood pressure levels(herbs to control high blood pressure).
Is an Armenian cucumber the same as an English cucumber?
Similar to the English, the Armenian cucumber is also long with minimal seeds, but these guys can vary in color from dark green to light green and even yellow-green, and can grow to be curvy or straight. They are botanically classified as a melon and smell a bit like cantaloupe when sliced.
How do you know when an Armenian cucumber is ripe?
Armenian cucumber melons look much like a cucumber, only often bent rather than straight. They have thin skin, soft flesh and a line of small seeds which can be easily removed if you wish. The fruits are gently ribbed. They start out a lush green and turn yellow when ripe.
What are the types of melons?
- Watermelon. Scientific name: Citrullus lanatus.
- Cantaloupe. Scientific name: Cucumis melo var.
- Honeydew. Scientific name: Cucumis melo L. (
- Winter Melon (or Ash Gourd) Scientific name: Benincasa hispida.
- Casaba Melon (or Golden Beauty) Scientific name: Cucumis melo var.
- Persian Melon.
- Galia Melon.
- Snap Melon.
Is pineapple a melon?
Ananas melons, botanically classified as Cucumis melo, are sweet fruits belonging to the reticulatus group, which encompasses melons with rinds covered in a rough netting. Ananas in French and Italian translates to mean “pineapple,” and the melon reived its tropical name from its sweet, floral taste and aroma.
How many types of melon are there?
MelonRepresentative species
Are Armenian cucumbers Burpless?
Armenian cucumber with handsome, light green, thin skin is burpless, nearly seedless, and more tolerant of heat than most cucumbers. Sometimes called serpent cucumber or yard long, it is technically a variety of melon!
Are Armenian cucumbers self pollinating?
Armenian cucumbers are self-pollinating. They make male and female flowers on the same plant.
How long do Armenian cucumbers get?
Scientifically known as Cucumis melo var. flexuosus, the Armenian cucumber measures between 1 foot to 3 feet long, on average, making it much larger than other varieties of cucumbers.
Why are my Armenian cucumbers not producing?
A cucumber plant will flower but produce no fruit if there is a lack of either male or female flowers on the plant. A lack of fruit will also occur due to poor pollination. Growing conditions (such as temperature, weather, and nitrogen levels) also affect pollination and flower production.
Why do we rub cucumber before eating?
Rubbing the Ends
This is one of the most popular and commonly used methods to remove the bitterness of cucumber. All you need to do is thinly cut off the last part of the stem or blossom end of the cucumber and with that piece rub the end of the cucumber in a circular motion.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.