Armenian Cucumber

Armenian cucumbers are slender, elongated vegetables that grow on vines. They have a cylindrical, curved shape that's often irregularly curled, measuring about 25-38 centimeters long. This variety has thin skin that ranges from dark to light green and is sometimes striped. Their skin is smooth with a somewhat fuzzy texture especially when the vegetable is young. Their ribbed surface is due to the longitudinal furrows that cover their surface. Armenian cucumbers have a light green flesh that’s crunchy, succulent and crisp, encasing multiple teardrop-shaped, edible white seeds that take up a significant portion of the vegetable's center. When sliced, Armenian cucumbers give off a scent reminiscent of cantaloupe. They have a sweet and mild taste, similar to other varieties of cucumber.

Seasons/Availability
Armenian cucumbers are available from late spring to summer.

Other Details:
Armenian cucumbers are botanically classified as Cucumis melo and belong to the Cucurbitaceae family. This variety is also called Yard-long melon, Snake melon, Snake cucumber, Uri, Gutah, and Painted Serpent. Despite their name, they are technically classified as melons rather than cucumbers and are closely related to cantaloupe. There are several different cultivars that range in size, flavor and color. These include the Striped Armenian, Carosello Barese, Mandurian Round Carosello and Metki Dark Green. Armenian Cucumbers are often cultivated on trellises, tunnels and twine because of their vertical growth patterns. Their vines can extend up to 6 meters or more, with the potential for even greater length in warmer climates.

Nutritional Value
Armenian cucumbers are a good source of vitamins C, A and K. These vitamins help with immunity, vision, iron absorption, collagen production, heart, lung and kidney function, bone health and blood clotting. They provide the body with potassium, a nutrient that may help reduce blood pressure and regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve signaling. Armenian cucumbers have fiber for improving digestion and promoting fullness after eating. This variety has little to no sugar, making them a good choice for diabetics managing their blood sugar levels.