Cucumber 1 Each

The **cucumber** is a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family (*Cucurbitaceae*), bearing a fruit that is typically cylindrical and used as a vegetable in cuisine. It is famous for its crisp, refreshing taste and extremely high water content, making it excellent for hydration. ### **Key Facts & Nutrition** Cucumbers are very low in calories and high in water (about $95\%$). | Nutrient (per $\approx 100 \text{g}$ unpeeled) | Value | Key Benefits | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Water Content** | $\approx 96 \text{ g}$ | Promotes hydration. | | **Calories** | $\approx 15 \text{ kcal}$ | Excellent for low-calorie diets. | | **Carbohydrates** | $\approx 3 \text{ g}$ | Low-carb, low glycemic index. | | **Dietary Fiber** | $\approx 0.5 \text{ g}$ | Aids in healthy digestion. | | **Vitamin K** | High | Essential for blood clotting and bone health. | | **Vitamin C** | Present | Antioxidant that supports the immune system. | | **Potassium** | Present | Important for blood pressure regulation. | **Tip:** To maximize the nutrient content (especially fiber, Vitamin K, and antioxidants), it's best to eat cucumbers unpeeled, especially the thin-skinned varieties. ### **Common Varieties** Cucumbers are generally categorized by their use: slicing, pickling, or specialty types. | Type | Characteristics | Best Use | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **English (Hothouse/Seedless)** | Long, slender, thin skin (often plastic-wrapped), minimal seeds, mild flavor. | Slicing for salads, sandwiches, and fresh eating. No need to peel. | | **Persian** | Short, crisp, thin-skinned, nearly seedless. Similar to English but smaller. | Snacking, salads, dipping, and mezze platters. No need to peel. | | **American Slicing (Garden)** | Thick, dark green skin (often waxed), larger seeds. | Best for general slicing and eating after peeling and/or seeding to remove any bitterness from the skin/seeds. | | **Kirby (Pickling)** | Small, bumpy, short, and firm with a thick skin. | Best for pickling, as they stay crunchy in brine. | | **Lemon** | Round and yellow, resembling a lemon. Sweet, mild flavor. | Salads and fresh snacking. | ### **Storage** Cucumbers can be tricky to store: * **Refrigerator (Recommended for freshness):** Store whole, unwashed cucumbers in the **crisper drawer**. They prefer a slightly warmer, more humid spot than the rest of the fridge (ideally $50^{\circ}\text{F}$ to $55^{\circ}\text{F}$), so placing them toward the front of the drawer or away from the coldest vents is helpful to avoid "chilling injury" (softening/pitting). * **Best Method:** Wrap the unwashed cucumber in a **paper towel** and place it in a **partially sealed plastic bag** or container in the crisper drawer. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture, and the bag creates a high-humidity environment to prevent drying out. * **Avoid:** Do not store cucumbers near ethylene-producing fruits like **bananas, apples, or tomatoes**, as the gas they release will cause the cucumber to yellow and spoil faster.