Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
While the chemical constituents of a cucumber cannot actually cool body tissues, the high water content means that the inside of the fruit can be up to 20 degrees cooler than its environment. Thus, giving way to the phrase “cool as a cucumber”.
Seasonality
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| • | • | • | • | • |
Description
Cucumbers are a member of the cucurbitaceae family that grow on creeping vines. Depending on the variety, cucumbers can be cylindrical or round in shape ranging from yellow to green in color. Cucumbers consist of about 95% water.
Storage tips
Pat cucumbers dry before storing them in the crisper draw of your fridge. They will keep for about a week.
Culinary tips
- Though cucumbers are most popularly eaten raw or pickled, they can also be sautéed, baked, or roasted.
- Smaller pickling varieties are best for pickles as they have smaller seed cavities and thinner skin. They can also be eaten raw.
- Cucumbers pair well with basil, dill, mint, citrus, tomatoes, peppers, and melons.
- Try adding cucumbers to your next batch of juice for an added hydration boost.
