Good quality cucumbers should be firm, well shaped, and have an even dark green color and uniform size. Cucumbers may be treated with an edible wax to prevent moisture loss and enhance appearance. Avoid cucumbers that are shriveled, yellow in color, or have soft spots.
Storing and Handling
Temperature/humidity recommendations for short-term
storage of seven days or less:
45-50 degrees F/7-10 degrees C
85-95% relative humidity
Copyright & Disclaimer
PMA Fresh Produce Manual
Troubleshooting
Pitting; water-soaked spots; decay:
These are indications of chill injury. Often times, chill injured cucumbers will decay rapidly after they are brought out of storage. To prevent chill injury, do not store cucumbers below 45 degrees F/7 degrees C.
Yellowing; softening:
Cucumbers are sensitive to ethylene and will turn yellow and soften if exposed to the gas. Storing cucumbers at high temperatures may also promote yellowing. For best quality, keep cucumbers away
from ethylene-producing fruits and ripening rooms. Store at 45-50 degrees F/7-10 degrees C.
Shriveling:
Storing cucumbers in an area with low humidity will promote shriveling. For best quality, maintain humidity level of 85-95%.
Soft, sunken ends; loose seed cavity:
These are indications of over mature product. Be sure to inspect cucumbers carefully upon arrival.
Variety/Type Descriptions
Green/Slicing – Major field-grown type sold commercially. Characterized by a straight, plump shape with slightly tapered ends and smooth skin with an even dark green color.
Hothouse/Greenhouse – Elongated, seedless cucumber with mild flavor. Also know as English, French, or Frame.
Common Packaging
55-lb. 11/9-bushel cartons
Grades
Field-grown:
U.S. Fancy
U.S. Extra No. 1
U.S. No. 1
U.S. No. 1 Small
U.S. No. 1 Large
U.S. No. 2
Greenhouse:
U.S. Fancy
U.S. No. 1
U.S. No. 2
NOTE: Not all cucumbers are graded. Ungraded cucumbers are called “unclassified.” Differences between grades are based primarily on external appearance.
Storing Tips
Keep cucumbers away from ethylene producing fruits and ripening rooms.
Sizes
Small
Medium/Super Select
Large
Shippers
I. KUNIK CO., INC.
2000 Industrial Drive, McAllen, TX 78504
PHONE # - 956-686-4324
FAX # - 956-686-2855
CONTACT - Leonard Kroman, Owner
WEB SITE - www.ikunik.com
E-MAIL - buyKunik@ikunik.com
J & D PRODUCE, INC.
P.O. Box 1548, Edinburg, TX 78540
7310 N. Expressway 281, Edinburg, TX 78541
PHONE # - 956-380-0353
FAX # - 956-380-0325
CONTACT - James V. Bassetti, President & Sales
WEB SITE - www.littlebearproduce.com
E-MAIL - lrchandler@littlebearproduce.com
SAN ANTONIO COMMISSION OF TEXAS, INC.
P.O. Box 2424, McAllen, TX 78502
PHONE # - 956-687-9181
FAX # - 956-682-1012
CONTACT - Hal Hoffman
WEB SITE - www.sweetonions.com & www.sanantoniocommissiontx.com
E-MAIL - sactx@aol.com
VAL VERDE VEGETABLE CO., INC.
P.O. Box 4448, McAllen, TX 78502
2200 Trophy Dr., McAllen, TX 78504
PHONE # - 956-994-1310
FAX # - 956-994-1312
CONTACT - Frank Schuster, President
WEB SITE - www.valverdevegetable.com
E-MAIL - frank@valverdevegetable.com
