Cucumbers and eggplants are everyday vegetables in Gulf, European and African markets. Both are warm-season crops that are sensitive to cold, and both combine well with peppers in a mixed vegetable programme.
Cucumbers
Types
- Short cucumbers — Middle Eastern type, thin-skinned and crunchy; the favourite in Gulf markets.
- Long cucumbers — European type, often individually wrapped for retail.
The type, length and diameter are confirmed per order.
Quality points
- Dark, uniform green colour.
- Straight shape; limited curvature.
- Firm fruit without soft ends.
- No yellowing, which indicates over-maturity or ethylene exposure.
Packing
- Layered export carton — cucumbers laid in rows with protective paper.
- Retail packs — flow-wrapped or trays on request.
Eggplants
Types
- Round eggplants — dark purple, popular in Middle Eastern cooking.
- Long eggplants — slender fruit for Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.
- Baby eggplants — small fruit for speciality and ethnic retail.
Quality points
- Glossy, deep-coloured skin.
- Fresh green calyx.
- Firm flesh; no soft spots.
- Limited scarring and no chilling pits.
Packing
- 5 kg export carton, packed by size.
- Retail trays on request.
Cold chain: not too cold
Both cucumbers and eggplants suffer chilling injury if carried too cold: pitting, watery spots and fast decay after arrival. A typical carrying temperature is +10 to +12 °C at 90–95% relative humidity. Cucumbers are also sensitive to ethylene, which turns them yellow, so they must not travel with ripening fruit.
Mixed vegetable loads
Because their conditions are similar, cucumbers, eggplants and peppers are often combined in one container. This lets a buyer receive a range of vegetables weekly without waiting to fill a full container of each. Plan pallet positions so that airflow reaches every pallet.
Cucumbers and eggplants are simple products with one rule: keep them cool, never cold.
Frequently asked questions
Which cucumber types do you export?
Short Middle Eastern cucumbers and long European cucumbers, confirmed per order.
Which eggplant types are available?
Round, long and baby eggplants, confirmed per order.
At what temperature should cucumbers and eggplants travel?
Typically +10 to +12 °C at 90–95% relative humidity.
Can they be shipped with peppers?
Yes, cucumbers, eggplants and peppers are commonly combined in one container.