Cucumbers - About The Beit Alpha Cucumber
Cucumbers remain a favorite with consumers across the globe. The fresh and crisp flavors of the fruit (technically cucumbers are a fruit) have found their way into beverages, foods, fragrances and even into confectionary.
So popular is cucumber flavor that in 2017 it was named '2017 Flavor of the Year' by Firmenich, the world's second-largest fragrance and flavor company.
In 2020 the appeal of cucumbers remains unchanged. It is also especially popular among those who want to experience the satisfaction of growing their own produce.
Part of that appeal is that there are a number of different varieties of cucumber suitable for both home and commercial cultivation - each with its own flavor profile.
One of the most popular of these is the Beit Alpha Cucumber. It is a large, smooth and nearly spineless fruit.
One of the appeals of the Beit Alpha Cucumber is that the plants produce only female flowers - they don't require pollination which makes cultivation far easier.
Another attraction of this cucumber variety is that under the proper conditions the plants can produce two crops in a single season.
There is also the attraction of being able to control pests using only biological control methods - an increasing attraction given the consumer demand for more organic produce.
Growers have access to a variety of different types of Beit Alpha varieties, including the Picolino variety which is a great choice for those growers who have to make the choice of cultivating only a few types of the plant.
It is worth noting that those growers who are growing large quantities of Beit Alpha cucumbers need to market them astutely.
There has been resistance by some consumers due to the fact that these 'mini cucumbers' do not resemble the traditional cucumber.
However - this attitude is changing rapidly as more Beit Alpha varieties find their way onto supermarket shelves.
For home growers, the attractions of cultivating Beit Alpha cucumbers are readily apparent.
The cucumbers, which are also called 'Lebanese or Middle eastern cucumbers, have been the subject of intensive breeding in Israel aimed at increasing the flavor profile and ease of cultivation.
For home growers, the Beit Alpha cucumbers are attractive due to the fact that their size, mild slightly sweet flavor profile and thin skins make them ideal for use in salads or other fresh preparations, as well as pickling.
They are also suitable for indoor cultivation where they can be grown in pots using biodegradable peat which is readily available from garden centers.
They are also grown using the hydroponic method.
When growing outdoors, for best results regular composting is recommended. Those in colder climates are advised to sow seeds after the first frosts and use trellising to ensure even air circulation for the plants.
Beit Alpha cucumber plants produce prolifically - they are easy to grow and suitable for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
The many varieties mean that growers have a great choice - matching specific varietals with their individual needs.
They are delicious and will provide a healthy addition to any meal. They are among the more popular cucumber types.
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