Have you heard about cucumbers taking over markets in the UK?
Well, according to Fresh Plaza, the new ‘midi’ cucumber variety is uniquely dominating the UK markets. A single, mature midi cucumber can weigh about 180 grams and is approximately 18 to 24 cm long. And according to the growers in the UK, this could be the ‘solution’ against food waste and plasticization.
Over the past years, great efforts have been drawn toward food wastage and plasticization in the UK and there have been positive outcomes. According to research by Wrap (updated in October 2021), there have been some measurable changes in food surplus and waste over time. For example;
Between 2007 and 2018, there were large-scale interventions in the UK aimed at reducing food waste across supply chains and households. This resulted in a reduction in post-farm-gate total food waste by about 15% (1.7mt). The post-farm-gate food waste reduction (2007-2018) on a ‘per capita basis’ rose further to 21% and 27% excluding the ‘inedible parts’.
Therefore, the Total household food waste reduction in the UK according to Wrap equated to an 18% reduction from about 1.7mt in 2007 to about 1.4mt in 2018.
As you’ve seen, there’s a need for a solution against food wastage and plasticization in the UK. And the new cucumber variety ‘midi’ seems to bring a positive impact on food wastage.
Why are ‘midi’ Cucumbers Taking Over Markets in the UK?
Well, according to a report by Fresh Plaza on cucumber market in the UK, the cucumber size and usage could be why the ‘midi’ cucumbers are becoming popular by the day. This is in comparison to other cucumber varieties.
In that report, the midi cucumbers are described as handy vitamin bombs that are half as big as their ‘normal’ cousins and can be wholly eaten or, used in meals. They hence, need not be wrapped in plastics to extend their shelf life thereby reducing plasticization.
And since reducing food wastage in the UK is highly advocated for, the growers are advised to go for midi cucumbers. The reason is, that the stalk is removed during harvesting hence no wastage!
What Makes Cucumbers (In General) Popular Worldwide
Cucumbers are rich in nutrients but low in fat, cholesterol, sodium, and, calories therefore, doesn’t cause harm to the body. They also have a refreshingly mild taste and high water content which helps reprieve dehydration in hot weather.
In addition to that, cucumbers have been used as part of the Mediterranean diet both for food and medicinal purpose. Cucumbers are also believed to contain high levels of cucurbitacin which according to the International Journal of Health Services, can help prevent cancer.
Apart from this, cucumbers have an anti-inflammatory effect so, they help prevent health issues such as diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, among others.
Besides, cucumbers are one of the best products to sell at a farmers’ market.
Conclusion
Cucumbers taking over markets in the UK’ has been in recent days the talk of the town. And it’s not by mistake or luck that this is happening!
It’s all because of the purposes that the new cucumber variety ‘Midi’ is serving in the UK. It not only weighs high in reducing food wastage and plasticization, but it’s also playing a major role in other fields e.g. medicine and skin care.
Above all, ‘midi’ cucumbers are easy to grow just like the other cucumber varieties. Plus they are good companion plants to a wide range of plants.
Resources
