Cucumber: Various Types of Cucumbers and Best Recipes

Do you know there are various types of cucumbers? And all of them are cool and calorie-free and have an abundance of vitamins A and C that strengthen your immune system. You can eat them raw or cook them as you like. 

Cucumbers are versatile and refreshing vegetables that you can enjoy in various ways. There are several types of cucumbers, each with a unique flavor and texture. Some of the most common types of cucumbers are slicing cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, and burpless cucumbers. 

You can use cucumbers in various meals, such as chicken dishes, dips, sandwiches, and chilled soups. So, let’s first know their types and the recipes to relish their unique tastes.

Various Types of Cucumbers and Their Best Recipes

We present you various types of cucumbers and their tasty recipes.

Slicing Cucumber

Slicing cucumbers are the most common type of cucumber found in grocery stores. They are large, long, and typically have dark green skin. They are perfect for slicing and eating fresh in salads or sandwiches. You can also use them for pickling, but pickling cucumbers are better because of their thicker skin.

Pickling Cucumber

Pickling cucumbers are small and have a thinner skin than slicing cucumbers. They are perfect for pickling because they have a higher water content, which helps them absorb the vinegar and spices in the pickling liquid. You can also eat them fresh, but they have a stronger, bitter flavor than slicing cucumbers.

White Cucumbers

White cucumbers are visually appealing due to their creamy white skin. There are various types to pick from, such as the crisp and fresh white marvel and the heirloom cucumber variety. The best way to have white cucumbers is raw, just like English cucumbers. You can also make a white cucumber salad or a straightforward and beautiful gazpacho.

Burpless Cucumber

Burpless cucumbers are a type of cucumber that is less bitter than other types. They are typically sweeter and have a more delicate flavor. They are easier to digest, making them a good choice for people sensitive to the compounds that cause burping. Burpless cucumbers are also known for their thin skin, making them great for fresh eating.

English Cucumbers

Another unique type of cucumber is the English cucumber, also known as the hothouse cucumber. These cucumbers are typically seedless, have thin skin, and have a sweeter taste. They are also typically longer and thinner than other cucumber varieties. 

You can use them in sandwiches, salads, and garnishes for drinks. Because of their delicate flavor, you can also serve them unpeeled and uncooked.

Lemon Cucumbers

These little, tennis-ball-sized, round, yellow cucumbers are similar in name and color to the ordinary, sour citrus fruit of the Mediterranean. Still, they are milder and sweeter in flavor and have a crispier, cooler texture. These types of cucumbers are ideal for pickling and salads.

Lemon cucumbers are very simple to cultivate, which makes them a favorite summer crop to spruce up the vegetable garden and summer salads.

Gherkins

Cornichons, often known as “little gherkins,” are pickled young cucumbers that have experienced fermentation. They are the ideal complement to cheeses and charcuterie and are most often pickled in vinegar or brine. You can even use gherkins as toppings on oysters.

Lebanese cucumbers

Lebanese cucumbers are shorter and fatter than regular cucumbers and have thinner skin. They have a very mild, almost sweet taste and are often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. They are perfect for making a traditional Tzatziki dip, a yogurt and cucumber dip often served with pita bread.

Garden cucumbers

These dark green cucumbers with smooth skin are widely available throughout North America. Unlike English cucumbers, you should peel the bitter skin, remove the big seeds, and then cook them.

Conclusion

Cucumbers are a delicious and refreshing vegetable that you can serve in various ways. Whether you prefer to eat them fresh, pickled, or in a recipe, there is a type of cucumber that will suit your taste. So, next time you are at the grocery store, try a new kind of cucumber. And discover a new way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.