Featured Specialty Crop – Cucumbers

Cucumber Facts & Trivia

Cucumbers, botanically classified as Cucumis sativus, are technically a fruit and belong to the same family as zucchini, pumpkin, watermelon, and summer squash. Cucumbers are well-known around the world, and approximately 84 billion pounds are produced each year. The phrase “cool as a cucumber” is prevalent in American slang and is a direct reference to the soothing and cooling effects that Cucumbers have on body temperature when consumed.

Cucumbers are believed to have originated in India over 10,000 years ago, where a wide range of Cucumbers and melons are still grown today. Cucumbers then spread to Europe and made their way to the US with the European colonists in the 1500s.

Why are Cucumbers So Good For You?

Cucumbers are an excellent source of vitamins K, A, and C, folic acid, potassium, and silica, which is a trace mineral that helps strengthen connective tissue.

What does it look/taste like?

There are many different varieties of Cucumbers that can be divided into two different groups: pickling and slicing. Pickling cucumbers are smaller, can be oblong and short to long and cylindrical, and have thin, green skin which is ideal for pickling. Slicing cucumbers are large and cylindrical, averaging 15-20 centimeters in length, and have thick skin. The skin can be smooth or ribbed with small bumps and nodes depending on the variety. Slicing cucumbers are most commonly seen in the local market’s produce section and can range in color from dark green, to yellow or white. The inner flesh is light green with pale, edible seeds and has a crisp, aqueous texture and mild floral and grassy flavor.

How do you eat it?

• Cucumbers are commonly consumed raw. Slice cucumbers and add to salads or a crudité plate.
• Marinate Cucumbers in oil, vinegar, and spices and serve with sugar snap peas and mint leaves.
• Shred Cucumber into a cheesecloth and squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible and then mix with yogurt and dill for a tatziki sauce.
• It can also be sliced lengthwise, diced, and added to quinoa or bulgur wheat salad.
• Cucumbers pair well with mint, dill, tuna fish, chicken salad, tomatoes, green peppers, and onions.
• Cucumbers will keep for a few days when stored in the refrigerator. If only a portion of the Cucumber is used, wrap the remaining piece tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator to prevent dehydration.