A revolutionary new variety of cucumber with a translucent skin arrives in Sainsbury’s stores this week. The thin-skinned variety, which requires no peeling, arrives in time for summer when cucumber sandwiches are a fixture on afternoon tea and picnic menus.
Traditionally, the skin of the cucumber is peeled in the preparation of sandwiches.
Sainsbury’s buyer Carla Ashmore said: “We’re hopeful that shoppers will appreciate the convenience of not having to remove the skin from their thin skinned cucumbers. The skin is thinner, making it perfect for quick and easy preparation of sandwiches and salads alike.”
The new variety is crispier than conventional cucumbers and has a slightly sweet flavour.
Cucumbers, along with mint leaves and lemon are also an essential accompaniment for Pimms cocktails, another British summer tradition.
The cucumber is believed to have originated in India and has been cultivated for at least 3,000 years in Western Asia. It was probably introduced to other parts of Europe by the Romans.
Records of cucumber cultivation appear in France in the 9th century and England in the 14th century.
- Ends –
Notes to editors: – Images available on request – The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family Cucurbitaceae, which includes squash, and is in the same genus as the muskmelon. – Though technically a fruit, cucumbers are widely considered vegetables.
previous: Revolutionary milk variety is an udder success says Sainsbury's
next: National campaign aims to reduce food waste by changing the nation's approach to leftovers and food storage
Black and Decker“Customers want holes, not drills.”
RSS feed 