Growing Information Plants are tender, so soil should be warm (18-24 degrees C) for germination to begin. If growing on a trellis, space plants 18 inches apart. Growing: Cucumbers require full sun and soil pH of 6.0-6.8.
Can you pickle straight 8 cucumbers?
If picked small, the Straight Eight Cucumbers are good for pickling, too. Home gardeners keep on growing this old favorite for its large, flavorful fruits.
How do you care for a straight 8 cucumber?
As soon as the vines on your straight 8 cucumber plant begin to flower, train the plants up a vertical or A-frame trellis. Keeping the fruit off the ground will produce straighter specimens and make them easier to harvest. Harvest to Table reports that straight eight cucumber plants are great for pickling.
What kind of cucumbers are straight 8?
Straight Eight Cucumbers are very dependable at producing prolific crops. These cucumbers are smooth, straight, deep green, 15-20 cm (6-8″) long and 5-6 cm (2½”) wide with rounded blunt ends. Early, vigorous and prolific, it tolerates mosaic virus well. It is a superb variety that has stood the test of time.
Are Straight 8 cucumbers bitter?
Sweet and burpless, not bitter at all. The vines are very vigorous vines with excellent yields are highly disease resistant.
When should you pick straight eight cucumbers?
The mulch will also help to keep the fruit clean. Harvest: Pick slicing cucumbers when they reach 6-8 inches long; pickling types at 3-5 inches. Keep mature cucumbers picked off the vines to encourage a longer yield.
What type of cucumber is best for pickling?
When it comes to delicious pickling cucumber varieties, the Boston Pickling cucumber is near the top of the list! A seedless cucumber, this heirloom variety has incredible flavor and crispness.
Is Straight Eight cucumbers heirloom?
Heirloom. Named for its perfectly straight, 8-inch long fruit, this slicing cucumber has long been prized for its high quality, flavor, and even, deep green color. Well adapted throughout the US. Vigorous, productive vines that benefit from trellising.
What does Burpless mean?
Adjective. burpless (not comparable) (of foods) Not causing the eater to burp.
Why do you rub cucumber ends?
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.
How do you make cucumbers taste better?
Try these sliced cucumber flavor matches:
- cucumber + vinegar (balsamic, cider, red wine, rice wine, sherry, tarragon, white wine)
- cucumber + sea salt.
- cucumber + sugar (a pinch)
- cucumber + chopped dill.
- cucumber + chopped basil.
- cucumber + sliced tomato.
- cucumber + chopped cilantro.
- cucumber + sour cream.
Can you pick a cucumber too early?
Cucumbers can’t really be picked too early, though allowing them to ripen to their ideal size will give you the best texture and flavor. Young cucumbers will be sweet, but very crunchy.
How do you know when cucumbers are ready to harvest?
Harvest cucumbers when they attain at least six to eight inches in length. Keep a watchful eye out for dark green skins and firm fruits. It is best to harvest these beauties on the earlier side to reap the rewards of their sweet flesh and tender seeds.
How do you keep cucumbers crisp when pickling?
5 Secrets for Crispy and Crunchy Pickles
- Use small, firm cucumbers.
- Jar them immediately after picking, or as soon as possible.
- Soak cucumbers in an ice water bath for a couple hours.
- Cut off the blossom end of cucumber.
- Add tannins to the jar.
Why do you soak cucumbers in ice water before pickling?
For a quick and easy way to help ensure crisp pickles: soak cucumbers in ice water for 4 to 5 hours before pickling. This is a safer method for making crisp pickles. Using lime, or calcium hydroxide, in solution for soaking cucumbers changes the amount of acid in the cucumber tissue.
Can regular cucumbers be used for pickling?
Pretty much any type of cucumber can be used for pickling, but true “pickling” cucumbers are different than heirlooms, slicers, or Japanese cukes.
Is Epsom salt good for cucumbers?
Like any other plant, the cucumber thrives on nutrient-rich soils. Epsom salt holds the key as far as these nutrients are concerned. It ensures your cucumber has enough Magnesium and Sulfur supply as lack of them leads to stunted growth.
How do you train cucumbers to string up?
String training cucumbers is done exactly the same way it is with tomatoes. Just run hang a line of string from something towards the ground and as the cucumber plant grows, wind it firmly around the string. They support each other. Like a hotdog and mustard.
What is a good homemade fertilizer for cucumbers?
A mix of seed meal, lime, bone meal, and kelp meal. All materials are derived from nature and are available in most garden centers. Homemade fertilizer will not burn Cucumber plants. Combine the ingredients in a large bucket or container.
Why do cucumbers make you poop?
Moreover, cucumbers contain fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements. In particular, pectin, the type of soluble fiber found in cucumbers, can help increase bowel movement frequency.
Why do cucumbers make you fart?
Cucumbers, as mentioned above, contain an ingredient called cucurbitacin. This element can trigger indigestion in certain people, especially if they have a sensitive digestive system. Indigestion triggers bloating and flatulence, which your body tries to eliminate in the form of burps and farts.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.