Varieties
Table Cukes (Field Grown). The Table Cukes, which are generally used for slicing in salads and garnishing, are characterized by their small white spines, and generally grow in a thick and long shape. The Pickle varieties, which are also field grown, are the smaller varieties, which are usually harvested at approximately 2 inches. Hot House varieties, as the name suggests, are grown under artificial conditions, and well adapted to culture under artificial heat and humidity controls.
U.S. Grades
U.S. Fancy, U.S. Extra No. 1, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 1 Small, U.S. No. 1 Large and U.S. No. 2. Cucumbers are often shipped and contracted using the terms “Super Select and Select.” These terms are local trade terms and have no real contract meaning.
Storage Conditions
USDA recommended storage 50° to 55° F. (10° to 12.8° C.) Approximate freezing point 31.1° F. (-0.5° C.) below 45° F. for two days or longer, may exhibit chilling injury. Chilling injury will manifest itself through the presence of a number of water soaked sunken spots on the surface of the cucumber.
Sizes
U.S. No. 1: fairly well colored, fairly well formed. Same size requirements as U.S. Fancy. U.S. No. 1 Small: same as U.S. No. 1 except, 1 1/2 to 2 inch diameter no length requirement. U.S. No. 1 Large: same as U.S. No. 1 except, 2 1/4 inch min. diameter 6 inch min. length.
