Cucumber, botanically known as Cucumis sativus L. is one of the oldest cultivated vegetable crops and believed to be originated in the northern plains of Indian subcontinent. It belongs to the family cucurbitaceae. The plant is a creeper (vine), varieties vary in size, shape and colour.
In general, the fruit features dark green skin, crispy moisture rich flesh, and small edible seeds concentrated at its core. The fruits are best-harvested young, tender and just short of reaching maturity. If left uninterrupted, the fruit continues to grow in size, its skin becomes tougher and turns yellow, and seeds become hard.
Considering the health benefits of cucumber, it is one of the very low calorie vegetable providing just 15 calorie per 100 g. It contains no saturated fat or cholesterol. Its peel is a good source of dietary fiber, it is a good source of potassium (147 mg per 100 g) which is a heart friendly electrolyte helps bring a reduction in total blood pressure and heart rates by countering effects of sodium, it contains unique anti-oxidants in moderate ratios help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes. They also surprisingly have a high amount of vitamin k (17µg per 100 g) which is having a potential role in bone strength by promoting osteotrophic activity.
Cucumber is cultivated throughout the world. In India, important cucumber growing states of India are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Besides, it is also widely grown in the north eastern states among which, Nagaland is one where lots of local cucumber varieties differing in size, shape and colour are cultivated throughout the state and the farmers fetch good return for its good taste and soft texture.
Owing to its numerous health and economic importance of this wonderful crop, so far very little work has been done by the researchers for this crop. Therefore, there is still a wide scope to work with this crop to reveal the goodness of the crop.
Kerimenla Lemtur, SMS (Horticulture), KVK Mon.