Cucumbers

About: Cucumbers are a part of the gourd family. There are two main varieties of the cucumber: slicing and pickling. Slicing cucumbers have tough skin that contains chemicals used by the plants to protect themselves from pests, which give cucumber skin its bitter taste. Pickling cucumbers' skin is thinner, which allows brine to enter the cucumber more easily. 

Nutritional Information:  Cucumbers are considered a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium, Magnesium, and Manganese. Read More...

Storage: Do not wash until ready to use. Place in a plastic bag and put in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready, wash and scrub gently before slicing.

Tips: Pickling is a great cucumber storage method. Before eating cucumbers, you do not have to remove skin and seeds.

QuickFix: Slice and sprinkle with salt and lemon juice. 

Recipes: Japanese Cucumber Salad, Quick Pickles, Cucumbers with Black-Eyed Peas