Persian Cucumber: What Is It And How To Use It In Your Recipes?

In this article, we will discuss how to use Persian cucumbers in your daily diet and how to make Persian cucumber salad.

Did you hear about Persian Cucumber salad? Well, in this article we will discuss the Persian cucumber and how you can use it in your daily diet. The origin of the cucumber goes back to the country of India, and it later spread to Greece and Italy, then it reached America in the sixties.

It is a vegetable, but in fact, it is a type of fruit, because it contains seeds. There are several types of cucumbers, the most famous of which is the English cucumber, and the Persian cucumber.

What Is Persian Cucumber?

Persian cucumber is a variety of coarse cucumber, which means that consuming it is less likely to cause digestive upset than other types. This cucumber is also small, sweet, and devoid of seeds.

Also known as the Beth Alpha cucumber, a name that refers to the community in northern Israel where the fruit was originally developed.

How Is The Appearance and Flavor of Persian Cucumbers?

Unlike the thick, bumpy skin of common garden cucumbers, Persian cucumbers have smooth, thin skin that does not require peeling. Its flesh is largely devoid of bitter-tasting seeds and is firm rather than watery, qualities that impart crunch and mild sweetness.

Growth Habit:

Like other members of the gourd family (Cucurbits), the Persian cucumber grows as a creeping vine that provides a trellis or other vertical support to increase spread as well as reduce the risk of powdery mildew and other soil-borne diseases.

As a tropical species, the plant requires a soil temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit and at least six hours of full sun each day. Because this annual does not tolerate frost or cold temperatures, Persian cucumbers are one of the last annual crops to be planted in the garden in the spring.

Harvest And Use:

The ideal time to pick Persian cucumbers is when the fruit reaches 4 to 6 inches long. If it is allowed to grow larger, bitter seeds may develop which affects the flavor. Harvesting ripe fruit encourages the production of more cucumbers. When harvesting, cut the fruit off the stem rather than pulling it.

Persian cucumbers are commonly used as a slicing option for salads and appetizers. And their crisp texture makes them suitable for pickling. Because they mix so well with a variety of spices, herbs, and vegetables, they work well in marinades, dips, and Persian cucumber salad. Notable pairings include cumin, mint, parsley, black pepper, garlic, onions, and tomatoes.

Best Persian Cucumbers Recipes

1. Mast o Khiar Recipe: How to Make Persian Cucumber Yogurt

Mast-o khiar is a dip with persian cucumber and yogurt flavored with dried mint. This cold and healthy dip can be served alongside rice and meat or simply with bread. No Persian meal is complete without Mast-o khiar! This dish is best if it’s been refrigerated for a few hours. But if you’re on hold for some time, feel free to serve it after mixing. Don’t be afraid to be creative! Try adding spinach, raisins, or walnuts.

You can use other herbs (eg mint, tarragon, oregano). Common additions include roasted nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, and dried fruits, such as raisins or dried cranberries. Like other yogurts found in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, such as Greek Tzatziki.

You Can Serve Mast-o Khiar In Four Ways:

• As a side dish or part of traditional appetizers.
• As an appetizer with slices of flat bread such as Iranian barbari or pita.
• As a seasoning for grilled meats, such as shish kebab.
• As a sauce over rice and lentil dishes, such as adas polo, or herbal stews, such as Gourmet carrots.

4 Tips For Making The Best Mast-o-Khiar With Persian Cucumbers

Mast-o khiar is a flexible medium: Once you specify your preference, adjusting its components comes naturally.

• Choose the best types of yogurt. You can use any type of yogurt for this dish. Greek (or other filtered) yogurt produces a slightly thicker texture. While European-style yogurt has a lighter texture and a more pliable texture. similar to Persian-style yogurt. Learn how to make homemade yogurt.
• Add a little allium heat. Add a teaspoon or two of garlic powder to the mast-o khiar mix for an extra layer of spice.
• Using cucumbers with small seeds, such as Persian cucumber, will distinguish the flavor of the cucumber throughout the dish. Some recipes for mast-o khiar call for grated cucumbers of different textures. When grating cucumbers for this recipe, squeeze out the excess water from the grated vegetables before incorporating them into the mixture.
• Use fresh herbs. While the recipe calls for dried mint, you can use fresh mint leaves to make the dip without affecting the flavor.

Ingredients

• 6 small Persian cucumbers, cut into cubes.
• 2 cups Greek yogurt.
• 1 tablespoon divided dried mint.
• ½ cup toasted and chopped walnuts.
• More for garnish kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
• Dried mint and dried rose petals for garnish.

How To Prepare:

• Roughly chop the walnuts and set them aside.
• Use a peeler to remove the peel from each cucumber.
• Then use a paring knife to cut the cucumber into quarter-inch pieces. Half rose petals.
• Combine the cucumber, yogurt, walnuts, half of the dried mint, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Taste and season as needed.
• Finally, transfer to a serving bowl and top with the remaining dried mint, rose petals, and walnuts.

2. Persian Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• 3 diced beef tomatoes (approximately 500g)
• 1/2 Persian cucumber
• 1 onion
• 1/2 ice cream salad
• 2 fresh figs
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• juice of 1 lemon
• salt
• pepper
• 1 clove garlic

How To Prepare:

• Wash the tomatoes and cut them into cubes to remove the stems.
• Peel the cucumber and also cut it into cubes.
• Peel onions and chop them finely.
• Cut the frozen lettuce into small pieces, wash and dry.
• Mix lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and onion in a large bowl.
• Then wash and clean the figs. Cut them into cubes and mix them with the salad.
• Mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together.
• Peel the garlic, squeeze and stir.
• Then pour the sauce over the salad.
• Finally, sprinkle with freshly ground pepper, if desired. Flatbread tastes good with it.