Boothby’s Blonde cucumber flourishes in Indian soil

New Delhi: Boothby’s Blonde is a special cucumber gift from the United States, now gaining popularity in India. Gradually people are taking a lot of interest in this variety of cucumber due to its creamy yellow skin, sweet taste, and crunchy bite. Its size is short, about 3 to 5 inches, and its juicy nature has made it perfect for salads, snacks, chutney, and pickles.

Originally grown by the Boothby family in Maine about 300 years ago, this rare variety nearly disappeared but was saved by seed lovers. Today, it is part of the Ark of Taste by the Slow Food movement, which protects old and special foods.

Also Read: Builders need to protect trees in construction plans: PMC

Boothby’s Blonde is ideal for Indian kitchen gardens and organic farms. It grows well in temperatures between 15°C to 32°C and matures in 55 to 65 days. Farmers can plant seeds in small mounds, 6 feet apart, and use trellises to support the vines. Since it’s an open-pollinated variety, seeds can be saved for future use, lowering costs.

Farmers should watch out for powdery mildew, a common disease, and use organic solutions like neem oil. The cucumbers are best picked when about 3 inches long. With 96% water content, they are refreshing summer snacks and support digestion, hydration, and healthy skin.

The cultivation of this kind of cucumber is a boon for the Indian farmers. Its demand is high among the rich. Currently, it is available in organic shops, quality markets, and online. It is known for its unique taste. Farming Boothby’s Blonde is a good source for the farming community to boost their income.