Different Types of Cucumbers: Varieties, Uses, Benefits & How to Choose

Cucumbers are of so many types and they are one of the most refreshing vegetables whether to eat or to apply, it is always ready to provide refreshment and hydration to the human body. They are beneficial for health as well as for our skin. Although cucumbers are scientifically categorized as a fruit still cucumbers belong to the gourd family. Cucumbers have been appreciated for their benefits since the past hundreds of years and in this article we will know everything that you need to know about cucumbers.

Types of Cucumbers

There are several types of cucumbers, which includes:

1. Slicing Cucumbers

Slicing cucumbers are a type of cucumbers characterized by the appearance of their longer shape with dark green color of skin layering and the skin is thick and waxy. They taste slightly bitter. Their texture is crisp and watery crunch. They contain seeds. Slicing cucumbers are further categorised into more types:

• American slicing cucumbers
• Garden cucumbers
• Marketmore cucumbers
• Straight eight cucumbers
• Ashley cucumbers
• Burpless cucumbers

2. English Cucumbers

English cucumbers are a type of cucumbers characterized by the appearance that is long in shape and straight with dark green color of skin layering and the skin is thin and smooth. They taste sweet and less bitter from other cucumbers. Their texture is crisp and refreshing. They are seedless. English cucumbers are further categorized into more types:

• European cucumbers
• Seedless cucumbers
• Hothouse cucumbers

3. Pickling Cucumbers

Pickling cucumbers are a type of cucumbers characterized by the appearance of their small shape though cylindrical with yellowish green color of skin layering and the skin is thin and free of wax. They taste mildly acidic and feel a zesty flavour. Their texture is dense and crisp. They contain small seeds. Pickling cucumbers are further categorised into more types:

• Kirby cucumbers
• Boston cucumbers
• National cucumbers
• Calypso cucumbers
• Regal cucumbers
• Parisian cucumbers

4. Asian Cucumbers 

Asian cucumbers are cucumbers of different varieties from different regions of Asia. The Asian cucumbers are categorised into several types:

• Indian cucumbers
• Japanese cucumbers
• Chinese cucumbers
• Korean cucumbers
• Armenian cucumbers

Uses of Slicing Cucumbers

• Slicing cucumbers are used to prepare fresh salads by thinly slicing the cucumbers which adds crunch and freshness to salads.
• Slicing cucumbers are used for sandwiches, burgers, rolls and wraps as it adds crispy texture and cooling taste.
• Slicing cucumbers are used to prepare yogurt dishes by finely chopping them and using chopped cucumbers and their juice, adding them into curd.
• Slicing cucumbers are used for garnishing and topping them into dishes, platters and beverages, adding a healthier garnish twist.
• Slicing cucumbers are used for applying on skin and eyes to give the skin a hydrating glow and provide moisture to the skin. 

Uses of Pickling Cucumbers

• Pickling cucumbers are used mainly for pickles to add a crunchy and refreshing flavour into pickles like dill pickles, bread and butter pickles.
• Pickling cucumbers are used for cooking snacks and meals by finely chopping them and making them relish.
• The slices of pickling cucumbers are also used within sandwiches to enhance the taste and add a flavour of tanginess.
• Pickling cucumbers are ideal for natural fermentation of food by helping to prepare biotic-rich foods which helps in promoting the wellness of the gut health.
• Pickling cucumbers are really good in reserving the food for a longer duration without the need of refrigeration.

Specialty and Exotic Cucumber Varieties

1. Serpent cucumbers - They are long in shape though curled. Their skin is thin and tender. They have an appearance of pale green in colour. They taste slightly sweet. They have a high water content within it.
2. Lemon cucumbers - They are small in shape though round. Their skin is thin. They have an appearance of pale yellow in colour. They taste like citrus. They are very juicy.
3. Sikkim cucumbers - They are long in shape though slender. Their skin is ribbed and reticulated. They have an appearance of reddish orange in colour. They taste crisp. They have a high water content within it.
4. White Wonder cucumbers - They are moderate in length. Their skin is stark white. They have an appearance of pale yellow in colour. They taste mild, sweet and non-bitter. They have a crisp texture within it.
5. Crystal Apple cucumbers - They are small in shape though round similar to an apple like shape. Their skin is burpless. They have an appearance of pale yellow or white in colour. They taste mild and sweet. They are juicy and have a crisp texture within it.
6. Dosakai cucumbers - They are sphere in shape. Their skin is stark white. They have an appearance of yellow in colour. They taste tangy. They have a crisp and firm texture within it. Also, they have a high water content within it.
7. Brown Russian cucumbers -They are round in shape similar to a potato like shape. They have an appearance of russet brown in colour. They taste crisp, sweet and non-bitter. They are firm and crunchy and have a watery pulp. 
8. Dragon’s Egg cucumbers - They are small in shape though oval. They have an appearance of pale yellow or white in color. They taste sweet and crisp. They contain small spines within it.

Best Cucumber Types for Salads and Cooking

The best cucumber types for salads and cooking includes English, greenhouse, Persian, mini, Lebanese, diva, Armenian, lemon, Kirby, marketmore, garden and slicing cucumbers. These kinds of cucumbers are easy to cook and serve for salads. It enhances the taste of cooking and provides hydration to the human body.

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