Cucumbers

Cucumbers are green-skinned vegetables, roughly cylindrical with tapered ends. The long, smooth cucumber (known in North America as the English or hothouse cucumber) has only a few seeds and very thin edible skin, whilst the smaller ridge cucumber has many seeds and tough, dark green skin that is normally peeled away before use.

Both varieties have a very high moisture content, which makes them a refreshing addition to salads. However, the French and Austrians often salt and drain their cucumbers to heighten their flavour and to give them a soft crisp texture. Sliced into salads, cucumbers are particularly tasty when dressed with sour cream, vinaigrette or yogurt and chives. They may also be used to make raita and tzatziki (cooling sauces and dips made from cucumbers, onions and garlic) or simply used as a garnish for other foods.