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Position
Flandria cucumbers come in at number four in the volume of sales at Veiling Hoogstraten The even dark green colour, the crunchiness and straight shape are evidence of the strict quality requirements which this vegetable must meet to be acceptable to the grower, auction and consumer.
History
The cucumber belongs to the variety Cucumis sativus, of the same genus as the melon and the same family as the courgette. These are heat-loving plants and are best grown under glass in the Netherlands and Belgium. The cucumber plant is an annual. Tens of cucumbers can grow on one stalk. The cultivated cucumber only has female flowers, and the cucumbers grow without fructification or pollination.
The plant has already been cultivated for over 3000 years. In general, it is accepted that cucumbers originated in Asia, and reached Western Europe in the 16th century via Greece (600 BC). The ancestor of today's cucumber is said to be Cucumis hardwickii, which occurs in India and has small bitter fruits. The bitterness stayed in the cucumber for a long time, but nowadys, the varieties grown professionally are free of any bitterness.
Arrivals / Availability
Cucumbers are available virtually all year round except in December. The months of May to August are the months with the most plentiful supplies and the lowest prices.
May, June and July is the main cucumber season.
Nutritional values
Cucumbers are low in calories, contain vitamin C and a lot of water
Nutritional value per 100 grams
Kcal raw: 8
Vitamin C raw: 10 mg
Iron raw: 0.2 mg
Fibre raw: 0.7 grams
Storage
Cucumbers should preferably not be kept in the refrigerator, because they are very sensitive to excessively low temperatures. They are best kept in a cool place. The ideal temperature is between 10 and 16°C, with a relative humidity of 90 to 95%. Cover them to prevent them drying out. Firm cucumbers will keep for a week. If kept too long, or under poor conditions, the cucumber may dry out, turn yellow or go soft.
Depending on its weight (in gr.) the cucumber is classified in class +750 gr, +600 gr, +500 gr, +400 gr, +350 gr, +300 gr or +250 gr.
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