Family

Cucurbitaceae

Description

Unagi cucumber is a modern hybrid Japanese-style cucumber known for its thin, tender skin, crisp texture, and mild, refreshing flavor. The name “Unagi” (Japanese for “eel”) hints at the fruit’s long, sleek shape, which can reach 8–10 inches while remaining slender and uniform. It resists bitterness even under heat stress, making it a favorite for summer harvests. Often eaten fresh and unpeeled, its glossy dark-green skin and nearly seedless flesh make it ideal for salads, sushi accompaniments, and quick pickles.

In cultivation, Unagi thrives in full sun with well-drained, organically rich soil and consistent moisture to prevent misshapen fruit. It is a parthenocarpic variety, meaning it can set fruit without pollination, which allows for high yields even in greenhouse conditions or areas with low pollinator activity. Its compact vine habit makes it suitable for trellising in small garden spaces.