Nov 26, 2024

Editor’s letter: Cucumber production methods gain spotlight from farms on TikTok

The December 2024 issue of Vegetable Growers News highlights cucumber production methods, Hartung Brothers’ 50th anniversary, the upcoming Great Lakes EXPO, and research on volunteer potatoes. Cucumbers, in particular, are enjoying renewed attention — from international social media trends to established grower-shippers.

Cucumbers go viral on TikTok

It’s amazing how much one can do with a cucumber. USA Today reports that TikTok users are entranced by Logan Moffitt, a 23-year-old Canadian from Ottawa, who regularly goes viral with cucumber salad recipes. Some of his videos, including jalapeño popper cucumber and sushi cucumber, drew up to 19 million views.

“It’s starting to scare me how cucumber literally goes with anything,” Moffitt told his five million followers. His community of avid cucumber “stans” — a social media term for highly enthusiastic fans — often jokes about shortages and trends he has sparked. One fan commented that Moffitt “created a worldwide cucumber shortage,” while another wrote that he “started a whole trend on TikTok.”

While not a TikTok user, the writer noted that this surge of attention is welcome because it shines a global spotlight on a crop not usually considered flashy. Increased awareness could encourage more Americans to experiment with cucumber recipes.

Hartung Brothers mark 50 years in cucumbers

Cucumber production methods remain central to Hartung Brothers, a Madison, Wisconsin grower-shipper that celebrates its 50th anniversary in January. The company farms and processes pickling cucumbers in both the U.S. and Mexico, playing a key role in supplying the vegetable to consumers and processors alike.

Growers prepare for Great Lakes EXPO

The Great Lakes EXPO approaches with a strong focus on helping growers maximize yields. Attendees can gain insights into pest management and production practices across specialty crops.

The EXPO will also recognize this year’s class of 40 Under 50 Fruit + Vegetable Award winners. The reception takes place at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10 on the Valent State. There, Vegetable Growers News will honor these outstanding men and women.

Volunteer potatoes pose risks

In the Veg Connections column, Michigan State’s Abigail Cohen and Zsofia Szendrei warned growers about volunteer potatoes. They explained that winters are not cold enough to reduce the risk, making management an ongoing challenge.