Cucumber

Cucumber is a popular vegetable belonging to the gourd family, originally from South Asia. It contains over 95% water, making it very low in calories and highly refreshing. In the kitchen, it is most often used raw, in salads, as a snack, on open sandwiches, or as the base for cold soups. Pickled cucumber is an essential ingredient in many dishes, from tartar sauce to sandwiches and burgers. Its flavour is mild, fresh and slightly green. The skin can be slightly bitter, so some cooks prefer to peel it. Cucumber pairs beautifully with fresh herbs such as dill or mint.