Cucumber

What Is a Cucumber?

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) belongs to the squash family. Botanically a fruit, it is used as a vegetable in cooking. In Türkiye, the most common types are the small, pointed variety called “kışlık” (winter cucumber) and the long, smooth variety grown in greenhouses.

Because it is about 95% water, it is very low in calories and refreshing to eat in summer. Its skin is thin and usually edible; some varieties may have a slightly bitter taste.

Cucumber Nutrition Facts

At just 15 kcal per 100 grams, cucumber is one of the lowest-calorie vegetables. In addition to its high water content, it contains vitamin K and a small amount of potassium. It is low in fiber but is easy on digestion.

What Are the Benefits of Cucumber?

With its high water content, cucumber is considered an easy way to support daily fluid intake. Its low calorie content makes it a practical choice for adding volume to a balanced diet.

This is general information; cucumber is a food, not a medical treatment.

How to Choose a Cucumber

A fresh cucumber should feel firm in your hand and have shiny, dark green skin.

• The skin should be smooth, shiny, and dark green; yellowish tones indicate that it is overripe.
• The ends should not be soft or wrinkled.
• It should feel heavy and firm in your hand; a light, limp cucumber is no longer fresh.

How to Store Cucumbers

Cucumbers stay fresh for 5–7 days in a perforated bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. If kept in very cold conditions (near 0°C / 32°F), their texture can become watery and deteriorate, so use the crisper drawer instead of the lowest shelves. Eat cut cucumber within 1–2 days when stored in an airtight container.

How to Use Cucumbers in the Kitchen

Cucumbers are most often eaten raw: slice them thinly for salads or cut them into thicker pieces for appetizers. Salting and draining them makes yogurt-cucumber dip and sauces thicker.

How to Make Yogurt-Cucumber Dip (Cacık)

Lightly salt grated cucumber and drain it, then mix it with strained yogurt. Add crushed garlic, mint, and olive oil. Thin it with a little water if desired, until it is drinkable.

Cucumber Pickles

Place small, firm kışlık cucumbers in a jar with garlic and dill, cover them with a vinegar, water, and salt mixture, and let them sit for a few weeks to pickle. Fresh cucumbers with firm flesh stay crunchier in pickles.

What Recipes Use Cucumbers?

Yogurt-cucumber dip (cacık), shepherd’s salad, cucumber pickles, and refreshing summer salads are among the most common cucumber dishes. Thinly sliced cucumbers are also often used in sandwiches and canapés.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you peel a cucumber?

The skin is usually edible and provides fiber, but peeling may be preferred for waxed varieties or those with thick skin. It is entirely a matter of taste.

Why are cucumbers bitter?

The bitterness comes from a compound naturally found in cucumbers called cucurbitacin; it is usually concentrated near the ends. Cutting off the ends and rubbing them against the cut surface may help remove some of the bitter foam.

Does eating cucumber at night cause bloating?

Information on this varies from person to person and is generally related to the amount eaten and digestive sensitivity; there is no definitive rule. If discomfort persists, consulting a specialist is recommended.

Should you remove cucumber seeds?

The seeds in young cucumbers are soft and edible. In large, mature cucumbers, the seeds may harden and increase the watery texture, so removing them may be preferable.

Are waxed cucumbers safe?

Some cucumbers are coated with food-grade wax to reduce moisture loss. This is generally safe, but washing thoroughly or peeling the cucumber before eating the skin is recommended.