About Cucumbers

Our cucumbers are grown in New Zealand but...

Cucumbers originated in India. They are crisp and nutrient-rich and may refresh your body inside and out. 96 percent of the weight of a cucumber is water, which makes it good for hydrating yourself naturally!

In a technical sense, cucumbers are actually fruits, not vegetables; (fruits are parts of flowering plants that come from the ovary.) But we've become accustomed to thinking and referring to cucumbers as vegetables.

Cucumbers are scientifically known as Cucumis sativus and are a member of the same botanical family as the melons and squash like zucchini (courgette), watermelon and pumpkin. Cucumbers grow in a variety of shapes and sizes, from 1-inch-long gherkins to long greenhouse varieties reaching 16 inches or longer.

There are nearly 100 varieties of cucumbers, but they’re mainly classified in two categories: those eaten fresh (called slicing varieties) and small varieties cultivated for pickling.

They are versatile in the kitchen and can be eaten fresh or cooked and incorporated into all types of cuisine.

See CUISINE IDEAS 17 WAYS WITH CUCUMBERS

Advice is to eat them washed and you don’t have to peel them. Keep the skin on and enjoy the health benefits.

See VEGETABLE RECIPES

See HEALTH ASPECTS (Nutrient Information Panel)

See TIPS AND IDEAS

See STORAGE TIPS

also general information on VEGETABLES

A high intake of fruit and vegetables reduces coronary heart disease (CHD)1

Ref 1 For further information see Standard 1.2.7 below:

http://unitedfresh.co.nz/services/health-claims-nutrition

Food Standards Australia New Zealand - Standard 1.2.7 - Nutrition, Health and Related Claims