Description

The cucumber is the ultimate symbol of cool refreshment, consisting of over 95% water. Whether you prefer the thin-skinned English variety, the bumpy Pickling type, or the small, crunchy Persian cucumber, they all offer a clean, mild flavor and a satisfying snap. They are the essential base for hydrating salads, chilled tzatziki, or simply sliced into a glass of ice water.

Cucumbers are native to South Asia, specifically the foothills of the Himalayas in India, where they have been cultivated for over 3,000 years. They were a favorite of the ancient Greeks and Romans; it is said that the Roman Emperor Tiberius demanded they be on his table every single day of the year, forcing his gardeners to develop early “greenhouse” methods using mirror-stones to capture sunlight.

Cucumbers are a quintessential Summer vegetable. They love the heat and plenty of water, with peak harvest typically running from June through August. In many regions, they can be harvested multiple times a week during the height of summer as they grow incredibly fast once the sun is out.