by Bob Benenson, FamilyFarmed

Soyu Cucumber

Purchased from Froggy Meadow Farm, Beloit, Wisconsin at Chicago’s Green City Market

What Is It? A soyu is a long, thin cucumber with a crooked neck and bumpy but edible skin. Soyu cucumbers are “burpless,” meaning they lack bitterness, giving them a slightly sweet and delicious flavor. According to the Specialty Produce website, this variety originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. (Source: https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Suyo_Long_Cucumbers_14199.php)

What Do You Do With It? Suyo cucumbers can be eaten raw, in salads, as quick pickles or in chilled soups. Specialty Produce says they also are popular in China, their original country of origin, especially in Sichuan cuisine.

Good Food Is Good Medicine: Cucumbers in general are very low in calories, are excellent sources of Vitamin K and potassium, and contain antioxidants such as lutein, beta carotene and zeaxanthin. (Source: https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cucumber.html)