REGULAR CUCUMBER PER KG

Standard cucumbers are short, wide and their skin is usually covered in a waxy film used to help them retain their moisture and look pretty in the produce pile. Always wash the skins really well or peel waxed cucumbers. (You’ll be able to feel the waxy coating on the cucumber’s skin.)

You may think a cucumber is just a cucumber, right? But, in reality, there are actually close to 100 varieties of cucumbers grown in the world, most of which the average consumer does not find. Cucumbers are actually members of the gourd family and grow on creeping vines. Originally native to South Asia, they’re now cultivated in most parts of the world.

The most commonly found varieties at most markets are the English cucumbers, pickling cucumbers and the regular slicer cucumber we use most often in our dishes.

English cucumbers, sometimes called seedless or hothouse cucumbers, are often longer and wrapped in plastic. While these varieties are similar in appearance, there are differences which make them unique in the way they are prepared and consumed. Read on to discover these differences, and decide which cucumber will be the better addition to your next meal.

Slicing Cucumbers

• The skin is waxy and the tough dark green color is more uniform.
• The taste can be more bitter.
• Generally less expensive to purchase.
• For a less bitter flavor, the skin and seeds should be removed.
• Well-known names like Kirby and Persian cucumbers are types of slicers.

Pickling Cucumbers

• Although any variety of cucumber can be pickled (in a solution or brine of sugar, vinegar, and spices), these cucumbers are especially grown to be uniform in width and length.
• Picklers tend to be shorter and thicker than slicers. They may have bumpy or spotted skin.
• Their color, prior to pickling, can vary from yellow to pale or dark green.
• Gherkins, also known as cornichons or baby dills, are one of the best-known varieties of pickling cucumbers. They’re typically much shorter than slicing cucumbers with very bumpy skins and are pickled whole, not sliced.