Receiving/Storage:
Receiving Information: Good quality cucumbers should be firm, well-shaped, and have an even dark green color and uniform size. Cucumbers may be treated with an edible wax to prevent moisture loss and enhance appearance. Avoid cucumbers that are shriveled, yellow in color, or have soft spots. Pitting; water-soaked spots; decay: These are indications of chill injury. Often times, chill injured cucumbers will decay rapidly after they are brought out of storage. To prevent chill injury, do not store cucumbers below 45 degrees F/7 degrees C. Yellowing; softening: Cucumbers are sensitive to ethylene and will turn yellow and soften if exposed to the gas. Storing cucumbers at high temperatures may also promote yellowing. For best quality, keep cucumbers away from ethylene-producing fruits and ripening rooms. Store at 45-50 degrees F/7-10 degrees C. Shriveling: Storing cucumbers in an area with low humidity will promote shriveling. For best quality, maintain humidity level of 85-95%. Soft, sunken ends; loose seed cavity: These are indications of over mature product. Be sure to inspect cucumbers carefully upon arrival. Storage/Handling: Temperature/humidity recommendation for short-term storage of 7 days or less: 45-50 degrees F. 85„95% relative humidity.
Description:
The cucumber belongs to the same family as squash and melons. It grows on a climbing plant that is 3 to 10 feet long; the plantÍs tendrils allow it to cling to other plants or objects. The fruit emerges after the plantÍs large yellow flowers have blossomed. Characterized by a straight, plump shape with slightly tapered ends and smooth skin with an even dark green color. Cucumbers are long and cylindrical in shape, and range in length from 3 inches to 2 feet.
