Why is Lukhovitsy the cucumber capital?
Two towns—Suzdal and Lukhovitsy—are vying for the title of cucumber capital. But many believe that Lukhovitsy is the one grow The most delicious cucumbers. It's unclear exactly when Lukhovitsy residents began growing cucumbers: some sources say it was in the 19th century, while others say it was in the 1930s and 1950s. But it is known that in the 19th century, Lukhovitsy farmers pickled cucumbers in barrels and transported them to Moscow fairs, and at the beginning of the last century, they mastered planting them in greenhouses, hotbeds, and hothouses. Growing cucumbers were engaged Whole families. State farms grew potatoes, beets, and carrots, but cucumbers were not suitable—too delicate and capricious a crop.
In Moscow, the Moscow region, and nearby towns, Lukhovitsy cucumbers were considered the crispiest and sweetest. So, cucumber sellers from neighboring towns resorted to a ruse: they claimed to be selling Lukhovitsy cucumbers.
The secret lies in the Lukhovtsy residents' special skills and gardening tricks, as well as in the fertility of the soil: the Oka River periodically overflowed its banks and flooded the surrounding area. Along with the water, the soil absorbed rich minerals and other nutrients.
In the 1990s, cucumbers saved the city's residents, and this is no mere legend. During the perestroika years, when businesses were closing and public sector workers went six months without pay, Lukhovitsy residents redoubled their efforts to grow cucumbers. They traditionally transported them to Moscow, Zaraysk, and Kolomna for sale, and managed not only to survive but also to live comfortably. In a season, they could earn enough to buy a Moskvich or even a Zhiguli.
Residents of Lukhovitsy dedicated an exhibition to the cucumber in the local history museum, and in 2007 they installed a monument to it. monument in front of the shopping center. On a barrel pedestal a sign is attached With the inscription: "To the breadwinner cucumber from grateful Lukhovtsy." And it was made with money donated by the townspeople themselves.
These days, sales of Lukhovitsky cucumbers have become less brisk: almost not Market space. A spot at the Moscow market costs a lot of money. Selling to buyers is possible, but for next to nothing. Selling illegally and paying fines isn't an option either. The "cucumber farmers" are still barely scraping by and continue to grow cucumbers, as is their tradition.
