The cucumber has a long history, dating back more than 3,000 years, with its origins traced to India. From there, cucumbers spread through trade routes to various parts of the world, including the Middle East and Europe. Over time, cucumbers have been prized for their refreshing taste and nutritional value.
How it Grows: Cucumbers are part of the gourd family and grow on climbing plants. They thrive in warm and humid conditions. The plants often need support to climb and develop long stems with curly tendrils that cling to fences or other structures. The fruits we know as cucumbers grow from flowers and can vary in size and shape depending on the variety.
Use in the Kitchen: Cucumbers are highly versatile and often eaten raw. They have a crisp texture and mild flavour, making them a popular choice in salads, sandwiches, and as a side dish. Cucumbers are commonly sliced, diced, or cut into long strips. They can also be pickled to make gherkins. Besides being used in cold dishes, cucumbers can also be steamed, roasted, or added to soups and sauces.
If you love cooking, try experimenting with different preparation methods to discover the versatility of cucumbers in your kitchen!
Asian cucumber salad
An easy side dish that tastes delicious with oriental dishes and barbecue meat skewers
Cacık is a delicious, refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm summer days. This Turkish yoghurt dip is ideal as a side dish for kebabs or simply as a refreshing dip with bread.
