Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
Similar veggies:
Gherkins
A quick introduction
We grow standard looking cucumbers in the greenhouse and smaller robust varieties outdoors. Cucumbers have a tendency of turning bitter when the plants are faced with adverse weather. Very bitter cucumbers are not considered to be healthy and should be thrown on the compost heap.
Storage
There is some debate whether cucumbers should be stored in the fridge or not. We find that they do keep longer in the fridge without affecting taste substantially.
Season
Summer and early fall
Suggestions for preparation
Cucumbers could just be the most refreshing vegetables out there and are mostly enjoyed raw. Our cucumbers can have a tougher (sometimes even spiky) skin compared to what you find in the stores, so you might want to peel them. Sometimes the tip of the outdoor cucumber varieties can become bitter. If this happens, please discard this bit. In rare cases the whole cucumber turns bitter, in which case we apologize for the inconvenience and hope that your next cucumber will be better!
Recipes
Turn your cucumbers into soup with this gazpacho recipe from the Guardian.
Make this Sichuan style smashed cucumber side with garlic and sesame oil.
Or go for Korean marinated cucumber with sesame and chili.
This Fattoush salad (fresh tomato and cucumber salad) is also delicious!