When to pick Japanese cucumber?

Japanese cucumbers, also known as "kyuri," are best picked when they are:

Young and Crisp:

* Size: Aim for cucumbers that are about 6-8 inches long.

* Texture: They should feel firm and crisp when you squeeze them gently.

* Color: They should be a vibrant green with a shiny skin.

* Spines: The spines should be small and white.

* Seeds: Young cucumbers will have very small seeds.

Signs of Overripe Cucumbers:

* Size: Overripe cucumbers can get quite large, up to a foot long.

* Texture: They become soft and mushy.

* Color: The skin may become pale or yellowish.

* Seeds: Overripe cucumbers have large, prominent seeds.

Best Time of Day to Pick:

* It's best to pick Japanese cucumbers in the morning when they are coolest and most hydrated.

Tips for Harvesting:

* Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the cucumbers from the vine.

* Leave about 1/2 inch of stem attached to the cucumber.

* Avoid pulling or twisting the cucumbers, as this can damage the plant.

Note: If you want to pick cucumbers for pickling, you can harvest them at a smaller size, around 4-5 inches long.