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Description : Slicing Cucumbers are usually about eight inches long, have smooth skin and a sweet flavor. Pickling Cucumbers are smaller and vary in size, depending on the variety, between two to four inches. They include gherkins, French cornichons and American dills. Some of these types of cucumbers have knobby spines that need to be removed before eating. This variety makes terrific sweet or dill pickles. English Cucumbers, also known as Japanese or Dutch cucumbers, contain few seeds and are thin skinned. Cucumbers are available year round but the peak harvest time is through the summer months. Selecting: Choose cucumbers that have good even shape, are firm and deep green in color. They should be heavy for their size (these tend to be crisper in texture). Avoid those that are very large, blemished or bruised and show any yellowing. Also be sure they are not shriveled or puffy. The ends should be firm not soft, as
Storing and Handling: When storing cucumbers, place in loosely sealed plastic bags in the crisper drawer. When stored properly they will last up to one week.
Preparing: Wash thoroughly in cool water before using. Peel waxed cucumbers before eating. The easiest way to do this is with a vegetable peeler. With organically grown cucumbers you may leave the skin on if you prefer after washing them. For pickling cucumbers, wash thoroughly and remove the spines before using. If you do not like the seeds simply cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and remove the seeds by scraping them out with a spoon.
Quick Prep Tip: To remove some of the water from cucumbers, sprinkle salt over sliced cucumber and allow to sit in a colander for about an hour or so. Rinse and pat dry before adding to a salad. By doing this you will avoid diluting your salad dressing when you toss it with all of your salad ingredients.
________________________________________ Serving Suggestions: Salads: Cucumbers are the perfect addition to any salad with their mild, sweet flavor and crunchy texture. Slice, grate, chop or julienne into thin strips with a vegetable peeler and add to your salads. Side Dishes: Try our
cucumber salad recipe.
It’s a quick and delicious accompaniment. Seasonings and Foods to use with Cucumbers: avocado, basil, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, onions, salmon, scallions, sour cream, tomatoes, yogurt Quick Salad – Cucumber Recipes:
Creamy Potato Cucumber Salad Return from Cucumbers to Summer Produce Guide
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