Persian Cucumbers

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In Episode #33, co-hosts Bita and Beata have a fun conversation describing what Persian cucumbers are and how they are enjoyed in Persian culture and cuisine.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What sets Persian cucumbers apart from other standard, larger cucumbers?</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Smaller size - approximately 5 inches long</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Smoother skin or peel</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Smaller seeds and less watery</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Milder flavor</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How they are used in Persian culture and cuisine</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Always raw</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">To snack on with salt</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">As part of a large fruit platter</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">In appetizer or side dish recipes</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recipes that call for Persian cucumbers</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Salad Shirazi - simple salad of finely chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, tossed in olive oil and lemon juice (and seasoned with salt and pepper)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Mast o Khiar </span></li> <li style="list-style: none; display: inline"> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Simple version - yogurt, cucumbers and dried mint (or dill)</span></li> <li style="f