Cucumbers: Fruit or Vegetable? The Surprising Answer Revealed

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated August 25, 2022

Cucumbers are a great summer vegetable, but do you know everything about them?

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. It is a creeping vine that bears cylindrical fruits that are used as culinary vegetables. There are three main varieties of cucumber: slicing, pickling, and burpless. Within these varieties, several different cultivars have emerged. The cucumber is originally from Southern Asia, but now grows on most continents. Many different varieties are traded on the global market.

Cucumbers are a green vegetable used in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. They’re often pickled and used as a garnish. They’re in the same family as squash, melons, and pumpkins. They’re low in calories but high in water and fiber.

Let’s look at everything cucumbers can do for you.

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The Many Facets of Cucumbers

There are many different types of cucumbers, each with their own unique shape, size, and flavor profile. Some of the most common types of cucumbers include:

• English cucumbers: These are longer and thinner than other types of cucumbers and are typically sold in plastic wrap.
• Pickling cucumbers: These are smaller and have a bumpy texture. They are commonly used for making pickles.
• Persian cucumbers: These are smaller and have a sweeter taste than other types of cucumbers.
• Kirby cucumbers: These are commonly found in local grocery stores and are smaller than English cucumbers.

How to Prepare and Eat Cucumbers

Cucumbers are commonly eaten raw, either on their own or in salads. They can also be pickled or used to create a variety of unique dishes. When preparing cucumbers, it’s important to note that the skin and seeds are the most significant sources of fiber and nutrients. Therefore, it’s best to leave the skin on and eat the entire cucumber whenever possible.

The Role of Cucumbers in Food Processing

Cucumbers are commonly used in food processing, particularly in the production of pickles. During the pickling process, cucumbers are soaked in a solution of vinegar, salt, and other seasonings. This helps to increase their shelf life and create a unique flavor profile.

Asian Cucumbers: A Sweet and Simple Recipe

Once the cucumbers are sliced, it’s time to marinate them. This recipe is vegan and requires only a few ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 small onion, finely sliced

Here’s how to marinate the cucumbers:

• In a small bowl, mix the water, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
• Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Add the sliced onion to the mixture and stir.
• Add the sliced cucumbers to the mixture and stir until they are completely dressed.
• Set the mixture aside for at least 30 minutes to allow the cucumbers to marinate.

Get Creative in the Kitchen: How to Cook with Cucumbers

Before you start cooking with cucumbers, it’s important to know how to properly prepare them. Here are some methods to help you get started:

• Clean the cucumber by rinsing it under running water and patting it dry with paper towels.
• If the cucumber has seeds, cut it in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.
• If you’re using seedless cucumbers, simply cut them into slices or crescents.
• If you plan on grilling or sautéing cucumbers, cut them into thick slices to prevent them from becoming too tender.
• For dishes that require a cool and fresh cucumber, cut them into thin slices or cubes and set them aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent excess heat from cooking them.

Reducing the Risk of Bitterness

Cucumbers can sometimes have a bitter taste, but there are ways to reduce this risk. Here are some methods to help:

• Draw out excess water and reduce bitterness by salting cucumbers. Simply toss sliced cucumbers in a colander with a teaspoon of salt and let them sit for 30 minutes. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Another way to reduce bitterness is by removing the seeds, as they tend to be the most bitter part of the cucumber.

Adding Cucumbers to Your Meal Plan

Cucumbers are a versatile ingredient that can be added to a number of dishes. Here are some tips to help you add cucumbers to your meal plan:

• Use cucumbers as a healthy snack by cutting them into slices and adding a sprinkle of salt.
• Add sliced cucumbers to your water to give it a refreshing taste.
• Use cucumbers as a replacement for chips or crackers when dipping in hummus or other dips.
• For a quick and easy side dish, toss sliced cucumbers with a teaspoon of oil and vinegar.
• For a pound of cucumbers, add a tablespoon of salt and let them sit for 30 minutes before rinsing them under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This will help minimize excess water and prevent your dish from becoming too watery.

Cucumbers may seem like a simple ingredient, but they can make a big difference in your cooking. With these tips and methods, you can get creative in the kitchen and make the most out of this healthy and delicious vegetable.

7 Reasons Why Cucumbers are a Powerhouse of Health Benefits

1. Cucumbers can help prevent damage caused by hot weather

During hot summer days, it’s essential to keep your body hydrated. Cucumbers are an excellent source of water, containing about 96% water content. Eating cucumbers regularly can help you stay hydrated and prevent damage caused by hot weather.

2. Cucumbers are loaded with fiber, making them an excellent addition to your diet

Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Cucumbers are a great source of fiber, with one medium-sized cucumber containing about 2 grams of fiber. Adding cucumbers to your diet can help you feel satisfied and improve your digestive health.

3. Cucumbers contain compounds that can help lower the risk of certain diseases

Cucumbers contain important compounds such as flavonoids, lignans, and triterpenes that have been linked to a lower risk of certain diseases. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can protect your body from damage and improve your overall health.

4. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them an ideal food for weight loss

If you’re looking to lose weight, cucumbers are an excellent food to add to your diet. They are low in calories, with one medium-sized cucumber containing only 16 calories. Cucumbers are also high in nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium, making them a powerful addition to any weight loss plan.

5. Cucumbers can help regulate blood sugar levels

Cucumbers contain carbohydrates and glucose that can help regulate blood sugar levels. They are also a good source of soluble fiber, which can slow down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream. Adding cucumbers to your diet can help you manage your blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of related health problems.

6. Cucumbers are an excellent substitute for high-sugar foods

If you’re looking for a healthy snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth, cucumbers are an excellent choice. They are low in sugar, with one medium-sized cucumber containing only 3.5 grams of sugar. Eating cucumbers instead of high-sugar foods can help you reduce your sugar intake and improve your overall health.

7. Cucumbers play a key role in improving heart health

Cucumbers contain a compound called cucurbitacin, which has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. This compound has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce inflammation in the body, a key factor in the development of heart disease. Adding cucumbers to your diet can help improve your heart health and reduce the risk of related health problems.

In conclusion, cucumbers are incredibly rich in nutrients and offer a number of health benefits. Whether you slice them up and add them to your salad or enjoy them as a snack, cucumbers are a powerful addition to any diet. So next time you’re at the grocery store, make sure to pick up some cucumbers and start reaping the benefits!

Conclusion

Cucumbers are a delicious and refreshing fruit that can be used in a variety of dishes. They’re a great source of water and fiber, and contain compounds that help you feel satisfied and improve your digestive health.

So, don’t be afraid to add cucumbers to your diet!

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.