Persian cucumbers reach isles

Cute, crunchy and snack-friendly — these are the new Keiki Cukes appearing at supermarkets. Called Persian cucumbers, they are about 6 inches long, about half the size of a regular cucumber, and slender, thin-skinned and sized for eating out of hand without slicing. Of course, you can slice one or two into 1-inch rounds for a salad without any leftover half to worry about.

Keiki Cukes are coming from greenhouses in Wai­mea on Hawaii island, where farmer Vince Batha is employing a hydroponic system. Batha traveled to Canada where he was taken by this prolific variety that requires no pollination and takes about 14 weeks from seed to harvest. Keiki Cukes come in 1- and 2-pound packages.

Did you know that cucumbers are really fruits? They originated in India and have been cultivated for more than 3,000 years. Cucumbers are grown throughout the world, their creeping vines producing elongated fruit of various diameters, skin texture and color. Well liked for its crispness and color, the fruit is a good source of vitamins A, C and K, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. Plus, cucumbers are a natural remedy for puffy eyes and make a good skin cleanser.

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Hawaii food writer Joan Namkoong offers a weekly tidbit on fresh seasonal products, many of them locally grown.