Cucumber

Crisp, refreshing cucumbers bring a cool crunch and mild, subtly sweet flavor to countless dishes across kitchens worldwide, making them one of the most versatile vegetables in the produce aisle. These cylindrical green vegetables feature a tender, edible skin and crisp, juicy flesh with tiny seeds at the center. Cucumbers offer a clean, refreshing taste with subtle grassy notes and high water content that makes them naturally hydrating. Their firm texture holds up well in both raw and cooked preparations, though they're most commonly enjoyed fresh. Popular in cuisines from Mediterranean Greek salads to Asian pickled preparations, cucumbers appear in dishes ranging from Indian raita and Middle Eastern fattoush to classic American cucumber sandwiches and gazpacho. Cucumbers shine in fresh applications where their cooling properties can be fully appreciated. Slice them thin for crisp salad additions, dice them into refreshing salsas, or cut into spears for healthy snacking with hummus or ranch dip. They pair beautifully with herbs like dill, mint, and parsley, and complement ingredients such as yogurt, feta cheese, tomatoes, and onions. For cooking applications, try them in stir-fries where they maintain some crunch, or use them in chilled soups during warmer months. When selecting cucumbers, look for firm specimens with bright green color and avoid any with soft spots or yellowing. Store them in the refrigerator crisper drawer and use within a week for best flavor and texture.