Cucumbers

Originally from southern Asia, cucumbers reached other parts of the world by being pickled and surviving the long trade routes to the Mediterranean, Northern Africa, and America. Today, fresh varieties are found in the markets, ranging in length from 6 to 20 inches, in various shades of green. This vegetable’s high water content—inspiration for the saying—“cool as a cucumber”gives recipes a crisp, refreshing taste. Cucumbers are very sensitive to heat, so choose ones that are displayed in a cool area.
Cucumbers should be firm, rounded at their edges, of a bright medium to dark green hue. Thinner cucumbers will generally have less seeds than thicker ones. Cucumbers can be eaten unpeeled and the seeds are edible. But if you wish to remove the seeds, cut the cucumber lengthwise and use a spoon to gently scoop them out. Cucumbers can be sliced, diced or cut into sticks. Adding cut raw cucumbers in leafy or mixed salads will enhance the meal’s texture and give it a cool taste.
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Recipes with Cucumbers
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San Francisco Summer Arugula Salad with Blackberries, Avocado, and CucumberLinda Shiue, MD, Spicebox Kitchen |
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Baby Gem Lettuce with Charred Eggplant Yogurt, Smacked Cucumber, and ShattaSami Tamimi and Tara Wigley, Falastin |
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Refrigerator PicklesShanta Nimbark Sacharoff, Shanta’s Backyard Kitchen |
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Salt-Brined Cucumber PicklesKate Leahy, John Lee, and Ara Zada, Lavash |
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Articles about Cucumbers
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April 14, 2017Hothouse Tomatoes Pack Summer Flavor in the SpringtimeLocally grown hothouse tomatoes provide a sweeter taste of the warm season ahead. |
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August 13, 2010Stop! Pickle TimeHappy Girl Kitchen has been selling traditional, fermented half-sour pickles at the Ferry Plaza this summer. And, “people have fun eating them in the market place like a popsicle.” |
About CUESA
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