Description
Fresh Cucumber in our local Farm shop in Bellaghy Mid Ulster.
🥒 Cucumber: A Crisp and Cool Character in the Garden
The cucumber is a refreshing and versatile vegetable (technically a fruit!) that belongs to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. Here’s a snapshot of what makes it so interesting:
🧬 Botanical Basics
- Scientific Name: Cucumis sativus
- Family: Same family as melons, pumpkins, and squash
- Appearance: Typically long and cylindrical, green skin, and pale, watery flesh
🍽️ Culinary Traits
- Taste: Mild, slightly sweet, with a high water content (~95%), giving it that signature crunch
- Uses:
- Eaten raw in salads or sandwiches
- Pickled into gherkins or dill pickles
- Blended into smoothies or chilled soups like gazpacho
🌿 Growing Notes
- Climate: Loves warm weather and full sun
- Growth: Grows as a vine and can climb if supported
- Harvesting: Typically picked when young and tender to avoid bitterness
🧊 Fun Facts
- Ancient Egyptians used cucumbers as part of their diet
- They’re known for soothing puffy eyes due to their cooling properties
- Cucumber slices are a popular spa-day accessory for a reason!
