Why Cucumbers Have Pimples And Why Are They Needed

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

A point-blank question: why do cucumbers need pimples?

Which cucumbers do you like best, smooth or with pimples? If you look at how the producers describe the presence of pimples when describing the variety, then you can find such speaking epithets: "appetizing", "pretty", "beautiful". The question, as they say, is settled. Our people love pimpled cucumbers. But why these same pimples are needed, shogonya and we'll figure it out. …

Why do cucumbers have bumps?

This question can be classified as "stupid", although the answer will show that in reality everything is not so simple. Naturally occurring wild cucumbers, the surface of the fruit is covered with frightening thorns. Thus, they protect themselves from wild animals so that they do not eat the fruits before the seeds ripen.

The fruit of a wild cucumber is covered with sharp thorns

But the relatives of the cucumber, growing in a tropical climate, instead of thorns, have acquired tubercles through which they get rid of excess moisture

Tropical relatives of cucumbers have tubercles all over the skin.

The cultivated cucumber no longer has its fearsome thorns. But many varieties have small spines on the skin, both black and white, which experts call pubescence. Through them, cucumbers undergo moisture and air exchange. Now it becomes clear why housewives choose cucumbers with pimples for harvesting for future use. It is through these holes in the tubercles that the brine during pickling and salting will be distributed more evenly in the cucumber.

Pimpled cucumbers are more suitable for harvesting for future use.

In addition to the pimply spiked varieties, there are also smooth-skinned ones. Such cucumbers came to us from China and Japan. Their progenitors did not have tubercles either. These cucumber varieties are more heat-resistant.

Smooth-skinned cucumbers tolerate high temperatures more easily

Which cucumbers are tastier: with or without pimples

They say that the most delicious cucumbers are those that he grew himself. And if you find out which tastes better: with pimples or not, then everything depends on personal preference. In addition, there are national representations. So:

• smooth-skinned varieties and pimpled gherkins are popular among Europeans;
• the Chinese prefer long, ribbed cucumbers with tubercles;
• the Japanese prefer smooth long cucumbers.

A cucumber for a Russian person is considered ideal green and covered in pimples

To make the cucumbers crunchy, choose varieties with black spikes for pickling.

If you want crispy pickled cucumbers, it is better to choose cucumbers with black thorns on the pimples. But if the thorns are white, then the cucumbers have a salad purpose. And when pickling, you will not get the desired crunchiness.

Some interesting facts about cucumbers

Rachel Baumwol's fairy tale from the book "The Blue Mitten" explains the appearance of pimples on a cucumber:

The people love the cucumber so much that a monument has been erected for him, but not one. Here are some of the most famous cucumber monuments. Please note that on all the monuments the cucumber is just pimply.

Photo gallery: monuments to the cucumber

Monument "Cucumber-breadwinner from grateful Lukhovites" is installed in the city of Lukhovitsy, Moscow region

There is also a monument to the cucumber in Belarus, it stands in the village of Shklov (Mogilev region)

And this is a Ukrainian monument to pickled cucumber in the town of Nizhyn

Monument to the medalist cucumber erected in Stary Oskol

In general, the question of pimples is not as stupid as it might seem at first glance. Now you know how to answer it. Although not even knowing what they are for a cucumber, we love a green crispy cucumber just like that - in thorns and pimples.