heart and star shaped cucumbers
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
United States
February 12, 2012 6:28am CST
I was facinated by some heart and star shaped cucumber slices http://www.eatnineghost.com/wp-content/uploads/cucumber/image005.jpg that they are growing in Japan by using it special mold it looks like it's attached to the vine and as the cucumber grows it works itself thru the mold into the desired elongated shape. I though it's a pretty neat idea especially for something a bit different. However I priced the molds and they run nearly $100 and probably only found in Japan. Still the end result is pretty slick if you the money to spare on such a thing and have good luck growing cucumbers.
3 people like this
6 responses
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
23 Feb 12
That is true they do have a very unique shape naturally.
@shaggin (74987)
• United States
12 Feb 12
Wow that is really neat. People selling these interesting shaped cucumbers will probably charge more money for them and since they are unusual people will probably be willing to pay more for it. $100 is expensive but if they can sell enough to earn the money back it will pay for itself basically. I want to try to grow cucumbers this year I love them but I wont be buying the special mold hehe.
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
12 Feb 12
We don't do so hot with cucumbers in our garden. I have no idea why they don't do well. I do well with zucchini though ;0)
As I said if I did well with the cucumbers and could gurantee buyers I would look to buy the molds for sure.
@jillhill (37353)
• United States
12 Feb 12
Wow! That would be too cool! I think it would be so much fun to have them already shaped for you.....I have wondered myself many times why they don't grow watermelons in a square...seriously....if you could set them on a picnic table without worrying about them rolling around wouldn't that be great?
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
23 Feb 12
Even better they'd probably be easier to cut with that aspect considered with them not rolling around.
@LadyMarissa (12148)
• United States
12 Feb 12
The tender new cucumber is placed in the heart/star shaped sleeve/mold when it first forms & is forced to grow into whatever shape that is predetermined. Then they are sold at outrageously inflated prices to the rich who think it's important to serve innovative foods!!! The same was tried with watermelons to make them square & easier to ship; but that went over like a lead balloon!!! For me, it's the taste of a fruit or veggie that draws me to it...NOT the shape. I'm sure there are a lot of people who don't agree with me & might flock to buy these unique delights. I just know it won't be me!!!
I would think that it would be more difficult to grow cucumbers in molds as you can't see any imperfections or critters that might be attacking them until it's too late. Do you cut the mold off??? If so the molds are a recurring expense every season. Sounds like a LOT of waste to me!!!
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
12 Feb 12
That is true there's no mention that I've seen about being able to reuse the molds, which I would think would be the only way to go. And you never know like you said as to what could of crawled up that sleeve while ti was growing.
@jndlponti (2402)
• Philippines
15 Feb 12
They would be costing that much since after you have grown much cucumber and sell it to the market you'll be earning much as well...But probably you could inovate.Improvised your own material.
