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Cucumbers come in many different varieties. Most cultivars are long and cylindrical with tapered ends but some have a small, round shape. They range in size from 10 to 30 centimeters long. Cucumbers typically have thick, dark green skin that’s smooth, shiny, and slightly bumpy. Other varieties may have a ribbed or striped surface with small nodes and patches of lighter green. Cucumbers can also be yellow, orange, white, or brown. Most varieties have light green flesh with a crisp, juicy texture and edible seeds, while burpless types have thinner skin and fewer seeds. Cucumbers have a fresh and mild taste with a grassy flavor and herbal notes.
Seasons/Availability
Cucumbers are available year-round, with a peak season in the late spring through summer.
Current Facts
Cucumbers are botanically classified as Cucumis sativus and belong to the Cucurbitaceae family that also includes zucchini, pumpkin, watermelon, and summer squash. All members of this family are known for having a high water content and growing on sprawling vines with yellow flowers. Cucumbers are popular throughout the world where they go by many names including Bunan in India, Gurke in Germany, Pepino in Portugal, Ogórek siewny in Poland, and Ojibwe in some areas of Mexico. There are around 100 varieties that can generally be categorized into Armenian, English, Garden, Gherkin, Kirby, Lemon, and Persian Cucumbers. Despite originating in Asia, Cucumbers have become popular throughout the world. They are frequently harvested in the United States, where over 600 million kilograms of are produced each year. Cucumbers are technically classified as fruits but are commonly used as vegetables in culinary preparations. Their high water content makes them valuable in hydrating hair products.
Nutritional Value
Cucumbers are rich in vitamin B, supporting energy production and helping maintain healthy skin and nerve function. Their vitamin C content helps the immune system and promotes collagen production for skin health. This vegetable also provides essential minerals like copper, which aids in the formation of red blood cells and supports cardiovascular health. The phosphorus in Cucumbers is important for bone health and energy storage while their potassium helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance. Cucumbers are a source of magnesium, contributing to muscle function and overall cellular health. In Eastern medicine, they have historically been used for cooling down in the summer and soothing puffy eyes as well as treating acne, jaundice, sunburns, itchy skin, and insect bites.
Applications
Cucumbers are usually consumed raw or pickled. They are frequently incorporated into salads or served as the main attraction in dishes, paired with ingredients like pickled onions, kimchi, sesame seeds, basil, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and creamy dressings. Cucumbers may be used as an ingredient in sandwiches, pita wraps, chilled soups, sushi, and rice bowls. They're often pickled by marinating in oil, vinegar, and spices. This vegetable is popularly selected for tatatziki sauce where they are shredded into a cheesecloth, squeezed to remove moisture, and mixed with yogurt and dill. Cucumbers pair well with chile peppers, pomegranates, dumplings, avocados, grilled chicken, tofu, ricotta, shrimp, peanuts, scallops, watermelon, lemons, limes, pesto, and tomatoes. Cucumbers will keep for about a week when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
King Louis XIV, the longest-reigning monarch in European history, was a culinary enthusiast with a particular love of produce. He had a garden called Le Potager du Roi that was built in the late 1600s at his palace in Versailles, France. This garden was one million square feet and had many fruits and vegetables, including melons and Cucumbers. He had his Cucumbers grown under glass to absorb heat from the sun and speed up maturity. This led to the development of cultivating produce in greenhouses. King Louis XIV also used Cucumbers for their anti-aging properties to hydrate and nourish his skin.
Geography/History
Cucumbers are native to Southern and Central Asia, with origins traced to the northern plains of India over 3,000 years ago. They eventually spread to Europe during the Roman times and are thought to have been introduced to Haiti in the late 15th century by Christopher Columbus. Cucumbers are sown in temperate, tropical, and subtropical climates and require full sun exposure and humidity in order to grow. They may be found in the wild in certain parts of India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Outside of these regions, Cucumbers are popularly planted in home gardens and produced commercially. Today, Cucumbers are grown all over the world and can be found in grocery stores and markets throughout North, Central, and South America as well as Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. They are particularly favored in Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines.
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