How Do I Know When Lemon Cucumbers Are Ready?

Lemon cucumbers are round yellow-green cucumbers with mottled skin. Their name derives from the fact that their appearance is similar to a lemon. They are sometimes also compared to gourds or apples in appearance. You can use them in any recipe or dish in which regular cucumbers are used, although they are somewhat sweeter than standard cucumbers. Harvest lemon cucumbers 60 to 70 days after planting, when they are 3 inches or larger, and when the skin has turned from green to pale yellow.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Check lemon cucumbers for ripeness 55 to 60 days after planting. Do not pick if they are still green or smaller than 3 inches.

   • 2

     Look at the surface of the cucumbers -- the ripe fruit will have small "hairs" or spikes.

   • 3

     Harvest the cucumbers when they have turned from green to mostly or completely yellow.

   • 4

     Use the ripe lemon cucumbers as you would any other cucumber. Rinse, peel and slice for salads or sandwiches, or cut the cucumber into pieces, sprinkle with a salt and eat like an apple.