The birthplace of cucumber is India. According to ancient chronicles, this vegetable was eaten here as early as 3 thousand BC. e. Later, cucumbers began to be cultivated in Egypt and in Greece. This is evidenced by their numerous fresco images. In Russia, this vegetable appeared in the 15th century and already by the 16th century had gained immense popularity. In our country, this culture is cultivated according to various methods, allowing to obtain a rich harvest of fruits. In the suburbs, for example, Lukhovitsky cucumber is extremely popular.
general description
Actually, this cucumber is not a variety. It received a separate name due to the fact that it is grown in an area with an unusual microclimate using a special technology that allows you to get a large number of small crisp, neat fruits. This interesting variety of cucumber is cultivated in the vicinity of the town of Lukhovitsy in the suburbs.
A bit of history
Peasants who once lived on the territory of the Moscow Region did not recognize black agriculture in most cases. In these parts, they were mainly engaged in animal husbandry, various crafts, and fishing. However, after the revolution, a large-scale plowing of land began in the floodplain of the Oka River. Many local residents were allocated plots for gardening. The owners of the Soviet dachas drew attention to the fact that of all the crops cultivated by them, the largest crops are produced by cucumbers.
Gradually, the owners of sites located along the banks of the Oka River near Lukhovitsy developed a special technology for the cultivation of cucumbers. They initially sold the grown vegetables in the markets of Moscow and the region. Later, the crop began to be exported by Lukhovichans to other regions of Russia.
What varieties are used in Lukhovitsy
Almost any seed in this area can be grown Lukhovitsky cucumber. The Graceful variety and the Libelle hybrid were extremely popular in this area during the Soviet years. Now on the sites of this region of the Moscow Region, a variety of domestic and Dutch varieties are grown. In order to get real Lukhovitsky cucumbers, local residents use mainly varieties that are cold-resistant and hardy in relation to diseases.
What are Lukhovitsky cucumbers
Why are Zelentsy from this area so appreciated in the markets of Moscow and other Russian cities? An ideal Lukhovitsky cucumber is considered to be a fruit that has small dimensions - 5-7 cm in length, absolutely even in shape, fresh, with a thin delicate crust, crunchy and covered with pimples. In addition to the special cultivation technology, local residents also observe the culture of trade in such greens. A cucumber torn the day before should already be on the counter by morning.
Several years ago, allegedly Lukhovitsy Zelentsy, actually grown in the Ryazan, Rostov or Tambov regions, began to appear on the markets of the Moscow and neighboring regions. Therefore, the administration of the Lukhovitsky district decided to patent their cucumbers. All farmers growing this crop were required to receive special certificates.
Cucumber Lukhovitsky F1: description, photo, features of growing
Not so long ago, domestic breeders received a special variety - Lukhovitsky F1. This is an early ripe female flowering type cucumber, giving dark-green with light stripes white-thorny fruits.
Very good deserved cucumber Lukhovitsky F1 reviews of summer residents, mainly due to its unpretentiousness and productivity. This variety is grown according to a scheme of 50x50 cm. Zelentsy can reach a size of 10-13 cm. Of course, without special technology, real Lukhovitsy cucumbers cannot be grown from such seedlings. However, in any case, the fruits of this variety are distinguished by good taste characteristics, have juicy flesh and a thin skin. A photo of such a cucumber is presented below.
Cultivation technology
As in the last century, in the present, the unique microclimate of the lower reaches of the Oka River is greatly influenced by the weight and quality of Lukhovitsky cucumbers. Owners of summer cottages, due to increased air humidity and a long frost-free period, still collect the richest harvests of the most delicious greens in Russia on greasy soils. Lukhovitsky cucumbers are grown (photos of such fruits of different varieties can be seen in the article) using this technology:
- At the bottom of large greenhouses, straw is laid in a dense layer. Subsequently, it will begin to rot and heat seedlings from below.
- On top of the straw, a special soil mixture is poured, consisting of earth, humus and peat.
- Next, the Lukhovitsky cucumber itself landed. Seeds are soaked for some time in water and placed in a greenhouse.
- From above, the seedling greenhouse is covered with two layers of plastic film.
Landing is carried out using this technology in early spring, even before the snow melts. After a month, the grown seedlings are transferred to ordinary beds covered with a film. Previously, the soil surface is mulched with a special material with slits. Subsequently, this prevents the growth of weeds.
During the cultivation of seedlings on the beds manually, air temperature is controlled (by opening and closing the film). Of course, cucumbers are watered periodically. Subsequently, Zelentsy, having reached the optimal size, periodically tear (approximately every other day). This traditional technology for growing cucumbers has been passed down from generation to generation in Lukhovitsy families for many years.
Monument
In the Lukhovitsky district itself, Zelentsy grown by summer residents love to eat. They are eaten fresh, canned, and in salads. This vegetable is so popular here that they even erected a monument to it. The monument depicts a barrel, on top of which lies a large Lukhovitsky cucumber. Coins symbolizing prosperity are scattered across the entire surface of the greenery. An inscription engraved on the monument reads: "The cucumber-breadwinner from the grateful Lukhovites."
At first glance, such a praise may seem somewhat humorous. However, in reality, everything is more than serious. This monument was erected in 2007, on the day of the 50th anniversary of the city. The administration made a decision about this mainly because in the difficult 90s, a vegetable that brought rich harvests became a real salvation for Lukhovicans. In addition to the cucumber monument, a museum for this vegetable is also open in the city.
Consumer Reviews
Of course, everyone who tried Lukhovitsky juicy crispy cucumbers praises them very much. Many believe that these are the most delicious Zelentsy not only in the Moscow region, but throughout Russia. In Lukhovitsy cucumbers, there are never voids, and their skin is practically absent. Previously, some marketed fruits were slightly bitter. Locals believe that the presence of a couple of such copies in a kilogram is a sign of complete environmental cleanliness of the product. However, since consumer requirements have recently increased for various kinds of vegetable products, Lukhovitsy switched to the cultivation of special Dutch varieties. Such cucumbers are completely bitter. The only drawback of these Zelentsy is considered quite a high cost.
Reviews about Lukhovitsky F1
Many summer residents, of course, are interested in whether to buy this variety of cucumbers. Lukhovitsky cucumber F1, judging by the opinion of many owners of summer cottages, actually has excellent qualities and perfectly mimics the fruits grown in the lower reaches of the Oka. These cucumbers are completely devoid of bitterness, are juicy, crunchy and are great for pickling.
Where to buy
Where can I buy Lukhovitsky cucumber? The photos of these vegetables presented on the page clearly demonstrate their small size and neat shape. To buy such crispy Zelentsy grown in the floodplain of the Oka, today you can mainly only in the markets of Moscow and Moscow Region. And of course, they can be bought in Lukhovitsy itself. This city is located 135 km from the capital, on the Moscow-Chelyabinsk highway.
In Lukhovitsy this vegetable is sold by the summer residents who cultivate it themselves. Unfortunately, the path to the capital markets of these days is unfortunately closed to them. The sale of cucumbers, lovingly grown on summer cottages in the lower reaches of the Oka, in Moscow today is done only by resellers. Merchants come to villages and buy tons of highly sought after vegetables. Of course, they sell it in Moscow markets very expensively. But those who travel to the capital along the Moscow-Chelyabinsk highway have an excellent opportunity to purchase crispy little greenbacks, which are also suitable for salting, a little cheaper directly on the highway. In the region of Lukhovits, hundreds of summer cottagers and merchants stand on its edges and sell their famous products.
Even more recent Lukhovitsky cucumbers can be bought in the lower villages of the region. To do this, you need to get to the market in the city and follow the train station. Then you should go to the Red Floodplain and turn to Fruit. After a while, the signs for the "cucumber" villages will go along the highway: Gretovo, Ivnyagi, Psotino, etc.
How to salt Lukhovitsky Zelentsy
All varieties grown in this area have excellent taste characteristics not only in fresh form, but also when preserved. Including cucumber Lukhovitsky F1, who earned good summer residents, reviews. The use of greens from the lower reaches of the Oka for salting allows you to get environmentally friendly tasty billets for the winter. You can preserve greenery grown in this area by any means. Each mistress will surely find many methods. But the Lukhovichites themselves are pickling their cucumbers as follows:
- Zelentsy torn from the beds are thoroughly washed.
- Stack the cucumbers in sterilized jars.
- Prepare brine with spices and salt.
- Pour it into the banks.
- Cucumbers are put in a warm dark place for 2-3 days.
After the foam appears, the banks are closed with plastic lids and put in the basement.
Unfortunately, due to marketing difficulties, such an activity as growing cucumbers is gradually losing popularity in the Lukhovitsky district today. Mainly engaged in cultivation of this culture is only pensioners. According to the forecasts of some researchers, after 15-20 years, "cucumber production" in this area may completely come to naught. We hope that this will not happen. After all, the Lukhovitsky cucumber is actually distinguished by truly unique taste characteristics and, besides, absolute ecological purity. What can not be said about many vegetables grown using new-fangled technology in greenhouses and hotbeds of large farms in other parts of the country.