With the support of our stable Hungarian producer base, this vegetable is always available in high quality in our wholesale assortment – ask us for an offer!
The snake cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a vegetable of the cucumber family, distinguished from the traditional cucumber by its elongated, cylindrical shape and thin skin. It originated in India and the Middle East, but is now a widespread and popular vegetable worldwide.
Health benefits include high water content (around 95%), which contributes to proper hydration. It is also low in calories and rich in fibre, vitamin C and vitamin K. It also contains small amounts of vitamin A, folic acid, potassium and magnesium. Its antioxidant properties can help neutralise free radicals in the body, supporting the immune system and contributing to skin health.
From an economic point of view, snake cucumbers play a significant role in the vegetable market, especially in Europe, where consumption is growing year on year. In Western Europe, the average annual per capita consumption is around 2-2.2 kg, while in Hungary it is 1.6-1.8 kg.
Specificities of snake cucumber cultivation
In Europe, snake cucumbers are mainly grown in greenhouses, as this provides the ideal warm and humid environment for the plant. There are two main trends in cultivation: the northern or Dutch system, which requires a high level of investment and energy consumption, and the southern or Mediterranean system, which is characterised by low investment costs and lower energy consumption than in the north. Hungary belongs to the former type.
In Hungary, snake cucumbers are grown in greenhouses and in foil pits, and the quantity of cucumbers grown in Hungary is close to 18 thousand tonnes per year, which is sufficient to supply internal consumption.
The domestic snake cucumber season usually lasts from April to October, during which time you can find fresh, Hungarian-grown cucumbers on the shelves. During the winter months, you will mainly find imported products from Spain and the Netherlands.
How to choose good quality snake cucumbers?
When buying, you should consider the following points:
- Colour: Healthy snake cucumbers have a bright green skin, free of blemishes and discolouration.
- Texture: fresh cucumbers are firm to the touch, not soft or wrinkled.
- Size: medium-sized specimens (20-30 cm long) are generally tastier and crunchier.
- Peel: thin-skinned cucumbers are less bitter and have a more pleasant flavour.
How to use snake cucumbers in the kitchen?
Snake cucumber is a versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw or processed:
- In salads: a refreshing base for summer salads, tzatziki or sandwiches.
- In soups: cold cucumber broths, for example as an ingredient in Spanish gazpacho.
- Pickles: also popular as pickled cucumbers or pickled cucumbers.
- Grilled: it can be sliced, seasoned and grilled as a special side dish.
How to store after purchase?
When storing snake cucumbers, it is important to bear in mind that they are sensitive to cold, so the optimum storage temperature is between +7 and +13 °C.
When storing, the following should be observed:
- Refrigeration: the cucumbers are stored in a refrigerator in the vegetable compartment, where the temperature is right for them.
- Packing: the cucumbers are wrapped in paper towels and then placed in a zip-lock plastic bag or foil to preserve their freshness.
- Isolation: avoid storing cucumbers next to ethylene-producing fruits (e.g. apples, bananas), as these can accelerate their ageing.