Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a universally utilised fruit originating from South Asia and are members of the cucurbitaceae family. They are cylindrical in shape with a smooth, glossy green skin and a pale green core, resembling an elongated courgette as the two are closely related.

Cucumbers grow on vines and have the highest water content of any food at around 96%. They are firm and crunchy in texture, but soft and mushy at the core containing seeds. The whole fruit is edible including the skin and seeds. The skin has a grassy flavour, while the flesh is cool and lightly sweet and the seeds are almost undetectable when eaten, but give a slight bitterness. Cucumbers are usually consumed raw and are perfect for drinks, salads, sandwiches and pickling (also known as gherkins). Although difficult due to its high water content, cucumbers can be cooked, but the fruit will lose its crunch. Methods include sautéing, roasting and stir-frying.

There are close to 100 varieties of cucumber, the most common we know are English cucumbers. They are generally sweeter than other varieties and are typically between 10 – 15 inches in length and 1- 2 inches in diameter.