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A pile of green cucumbers.

Cucumbers

Quick Facts

Fruit Type: Gourd
Scientific Name: Cucumis sativus
Seasonality: Spring through summer
Nutrients: Calcium, carotene, folate, potassium, vitamin A
Flavor: Refreshing & crisp
Complementary Flavors: Dill or chives
Quick Cooking Tip: Once washed, cucumbers can be easily sliced thin with a mandolin, creating the perfect texture for recipes.
Cost: $*
*from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$)

Whole cucumbers next to a cutting board displaying different slices of cucumbers

How to Add Cucumber to Almost Any Dish

Whether enjoyed raw, pickled, or blended into smoothies, cucumbers are a versatile fruit with much to offer.

READ ARTICLE

Cucumber Recipes

Pair cucumbers with various ingredients and flavor profiles for the perfect dish!
Close up of cucumbers cut in half, seeds showing.

Health Benefits

  • Cucumber extract was found to have "significant anticancer activity" in a 2015 study.
  • A study showed that cucumber seeds can help improve asthmatic conditions.
  • Cucumber seed extract has shown potential as an antimicrobial agent.
  • Extracts from cucumber seeds have been found to be effective anti-inflammatory agents.
  • A study rationalized that cucumbers can be used as a potential anti-wrinkle agent.

Sustainability Tip

Store extra cucumber slices in the freezer and use them anytime to help de-puff under-eye bags.

Healthy ranch dressing in a glass jar

Making Cucumbers Kid-Friendly

Whip up a batch of Paleo Ranch and let the kids dip cucumber slices for a fun, healthy snack they’ll actually enjoy.

FULL RECIPE

Make the Most of Leftovers

Use any leftover cucumber slices to pull together this refreshing Mediterranean cucumber salad.

FULL RECIPE
mediterranean salad finished

Sober Curious Lifestyle

This Watermelon Cucumber Mocktail is a refreshing, hydrating alternative to alcohol—perfect for when the weather is warm and you’re craving something flavorful.

FULL RECIPE

Resources

The information above was compiled with help from the following sources.
USDA logo

USDA

Online Resource

Isabella Mead Headshot

Isabella Mead

Assistant Project Manager,
The Paleo Diet

Pharmaceuticals logo.

Pharmaceuticals

Peer-Reviewed Journal

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