From seed to snack: The journey of Qukes® baby cucumbers

Have you ever wondered how the perfect crunch of Qukes® baby cucumbers gets from the glasshouse to your table?

This month, we take you behind the scenes to explore how these versatile, snack-sized cucumbers are grown, packed, and delivered fresh to your local supermarket.

Daniel Humphreys, category manager for Qukes® baby cucumbers, gives us an inside look at what makes these cucumbers so special.

In our next feature we'll explored how Broccolini® travels from farm to plate. We've also featured the journey of Calypso® mangoes from the farm to your supermarket aisle. You can find that article here.

From planting to harvest

Qukes® baby cucumbers are grown hydroponically in glasshouses, where plants thrive in a soil-free environment. Instead, water and nutrients are circulated directly to the roots. This method ensures optimal growing conditions year-round.

“From planting seeds, it takes around 4–6 weeks to reach the first harvest,” Daniel explains. “The seeds germinate within about a week and spend three weeks in an on-site nursery, where they get extra care from our dedicated nursery staff. Once transferred to the glasshouse, the seedlings acclimatise and start producing cucumbers in just 1–2 weeks.”

The cucumbers are harvested daily, picked at just the right size to maximise freshness and flavour. Each crop stays in production for 10–12 weeks, providing a steady supply of crunchy Qukes® for consumers to enjoy.

Packing and transporting with care

Qukes® are grown in only a few key locations in Australia, making them a unique and highly efficient fresh produce. These locations, typically in regions with ideal growing conditions, ensure that Qukes® can be cultivated to the highest standards. While they are grown in just a few select areas, they are available nationwide, ensuring consumers across the country can enjoy fresh, locally grown cucumbers.

Once harvested (or picked), Qukes® undergo a careful cooling process for 1–2 days to reduce their temperature and preserve their freshness. “Our cucumbers are packed in recyclable plastic punnets with a perforated film that helps retain moisture while keeping them fresh and crunchy,” Daniel says.

Speed is crucial in the Qukes® journey from farm to shelf. After packing, the cucumbers are transported to supermarket distribution centres and then delivered to stores within 2–5 days of being harvested. Refrigerated transport is essential in maintaining their quality, ensuring that the cucumbers stay crisp and fresh throughout the entire process.

"It’s remarkable that Qukes® are typically picked on a Monday and arrive on supermarket shelves by Wednesday of the same week. This quick turnaround means consumers get the freshest produce, as the cucumbers are just a few days old by the time they reach the store. This rapid supply chain process not only helps maintain optimal freshness but also reinforces the commitment to delivering the best quality produce to Australian homes," Daniel says.

By using efficient logistics and advanced cool-chain management, Perfection Fresh ensures that Qukes® are always delivered at their peak freshness, offering consumers a high-quality, crunchy, and refreshing cucumber that can be enjoyed within just days of being harvested.

Overcoming challenges

Temperature control and moisture loss are the biggest hurdles in keeping Qukes® fresh during their journey. Using advanced refrigeration and innovative packaging solutions ensures the cucumbers arrive in perfect condition.

“The packaging plays a key role in managing moisture loss, which keeps our Qukes® crisp and crunchy,” Daniel adds.

At home: How to enjoy your Qukes®

To keep Qukes® at their best, Daniel recommends storing them in the fridge, ideally in their original packaging or an airtight container. “They’ll stay fresh for 7–10 days when kept refrigerated,” he advises.

Qukes® are perfect for snacking straight from the fridge or adding to meals. “Fully grown at just 8–12cm long, they’re ideal for kids’ lunchboxes or a quick, healthy snack at work. Their small size and mild taste mean there’s no waste, and they’re incredibly versatile—whether you eat them whole, slice them for salads, or add them to dips.”

Crunch your way to healthy eating

Qukes® baby cucumbers are more than just a snack—they’re a delicious and convenient way to add a healthy crunch to your day.

“Qukes® are the ultimate grab-and-go snack,” Daniel concludes. “With their crisp, mild skin and refreshing bite, they’re the perfect addition to any meal or snack time.”