English Cucumbers versus Regular Cucumbers
- Slicing Cucumbers. The skin is waxy and the tough dark green color is more uniform. ...
- 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 ...
- English Cucumbers. These are longer and more narrow than Slicer cucumbers. ...
Are English cucumbers healthy?
English cucumbers contain potassium, which is beneficial for helping lower blood pressure and preventing various health conditions like heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. English cucumbers also have vitamin K, which can help assist in reducing or preventing blood clots.
What are the different types of cucumbers?
Types of Cucumbers: Varieties from Around the World (Including Pictures)
- Types of Cucumbers (With Pictures and Names) You may be surprised to know that botanically cucumbers ( Cucumis sativus) are actually a type of fruit.
- Persian Cucumber. ...
- English Cucumber. ...
- Lebanese Cucumbers. ...
- American (Garden) Cucumber. ...
- Kirby Cucumber. ...
- Gherkins. ...
- Mexican Sour Gherkins. ...
- Armenian Cucumber. ...
How to prepare English cucumbers?
Method 3 Method 3 of 3: Trying Different Cucumber Recipes
- Mix in fried cucumbers with garlic and spicy pork for a good stir-fry. Cook ground pork in a wok and add chili flakes to make it spicy.
- Prepare a tasty sour cream sauce to dip fried cucumber strips in. ...
- Make baked cucumber salt and vinegar strips. ...
- Add whipping cream to baked cucumbers to make creamed cucumbers. ...
How to grow English cucumbers?
The 7 Secrets To Growing Cucumbers
- Plant For Early Morning Sun. Cucumbers need a lot of sunlight to produce a bumper crop. ...
- Great Soil = Great Cucumbers. Whether planted in the ground or in containers, cucumbers need rich, fertile soil to grow strong and thrive.
- Plant In Mounds. ...
- Transplants Vs. ...
- Be Careful What You Plant Nearby. ...
- Crop Rotation. ...
- Harvest Regularly. ...
Are English cucumbers better than regular?
Their seeds are much smaller and easier to eat so they do not require de-seeding. The taste is less bitter than slicers, milder and almost sweet. The skin is thinner and edible.
Can you eat English cucumbers?
You can eat the entire vegetable, too, including the skin, which is sweet and never bitter. The flesh is smooth and refreshingly moist. Often sold as "seedless" or "burpless" cucumbers, the English variety is mild and never induces dyspeptic side effects.
What can I substitute for English cucumber?
Meanwhile, the Persian cucumber or sfran is good for stir fries because it can tolerate high heat. It tastes and looks quite similar to the English cucumber, but it's usually shorter in length. These three are quite similar overall, so you can freely use them as substitutes for English cucumbers and for one another.
Are English cucumbers the same as seedless?
English cucumbers are sometimes billed as seedless but the truth is they do have seeds. They're just smaller and thinner than regular cucumber seeds so you can chew right through them.
Why are English cucumbers always wrapped in plastic?
Plastic wrap serves as an extra layer of protection for cucumbers that have particularly thin skin, like English cucumbers. This snug seal reduces and prevents rehydration and potential damage that can occur during packing and transit, and continues to play an important role even once you get them home.
Should I peel English cucumbers?
The seeds are so small they are almost imperceptible. The flavor of an English cucumber is sweeter than the standard cucumber, and it doesn't need to be peeled or seeded before eating! Because the thin skin is so fragile, it's sold with a plastic covering in the grocery store.
Which cucumber is best for salad?
English cucumbers typically come wrapped in plastic at the grocery store. It has a deep green hue and pinched ends. Sweet and mild, this seedless cucumber is perfect for chopped salads and canapes because you don't have to scoop on the centers to prevent bogging down the recipe with excess water.
Why are English cucumbers called Burpless?
Burpless cucumbers are cucumbers bred with no or reduced levels of cucurbitacin. This reduces bitterness and reportedly the likelihood of burping. What is this? Cucurbitacin is highest on the skin and stem of the cucumber fruit.
Is an English cucumber a zucchini?
Fruit or Vegetable: Though they may look similar, cucumbers and zucchini do not belong to the same family. Cucumbers belong to the gourd family while zucchini belongs to the Cucurbita family. Technically speaking, cucumbers are considered to be a fruit by many people.
Do English cucumbers need to be refrigerated?
Cucumbers should be stored at room temperature — not in the refrigerator, according to a post at Root Simple. Root Simple cites the University of California, Davis, which determined that cucumbers are sensitive to temperatures below 50°F. When stored at room temperature, cucumbers thrive and last longer.
How healthy are English cucumbers?
Nutrients. Cucumbers are packed with them. In just a single cup of cucumber slices, you'll get 14% to 19% of the vitamin K you need for the day. You'll also get vitamins B and C along with minerals like copper, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
Should you remove the plastic from English cucumbers?
Because the seeds are ostensibly undetectable, there is no need to remove them prior to eating. Pickling and slicing cucumbers, on the other hand, tend to have larger seeds, thicker skin that can tend to taste slightly bitter, and they're usually much more stout than the elongated English cuke.
What Is An English Cucumber?
So what’s an English cucumber? An English cucumber can be called many different names such as seedless cucumbers, European cucumbers, burpless cucumbers, and hothouse or greenhouse cucumbers.
Appearance Of The English Cucumber
The English cucumber appears long, thin, and straight. The length of this cucumber can be two times the length of a regular slicing cucumber. They can be as long as 14 inches.
The Taste And Texture Of English Cucumbers
This English cucumber has a more pleasant taste compared to the other regular cucumbers. This is mainly thanks to the fewer seeds English cucumber, unlike the regular cucumber that has more large seeds that contribute to its bitter-tasting flavor.
English Cucumber Applications
Most chefs and kitchen lovers usually favor the English cucumbers variety over the regular cucumbers in their cooking applications. This is mainly because of the edible skin and fewer edible seeds it offers. So, this makes the English cucumbers very easy to use and perfect for dishes such as salads, raw side dishes, and so on.
Storing English Cucumbers
The ideal way to store the English cucumbers is by refrigerating them in plastic wrap. This should last or stay fresh for around a week so far the moisture is retained.
Final Say
English cucumber is another cucumber variety and they are also commonly known just like the slicing and pickling cucumbers. However, compared to the regular cucumbers, the English cucumbers have been bred to taste much better, have fewer seeds, have less tough skin, and have a less bitter taste.
How long is a cucumber?
It can be twice the length of a regular slicing cucumber; a typical English cucumber is around 14 inches long. The skin is dark green and smooth (meaning without any bumps found on pickling cucumbers) with ridges running the length of the vegetable.
What are English cucumbers used for?
English cucumbers are preferred by most chefs over common cucumbers for their edible skin and seeds. This makes them easy to use and excellent for salads, raw side dishes, and even enjoyed on its own. They are perfect to use in cucumber tea sandwiches, in a creamy cucumber dip, and as part of a vegan spring roll .
What is the name of the cucumber that has a bitter taste?
They are also known as hothouse cucumber, burpless cucumber, seedless cucumber, and European cucumber. Featured Video.
How long does an English cucumber last in the fridge?
Store the English cucumber in its plastic wrapping in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 1 week as long as it doesn't retain any moisture; you may want to avoid the humid vegetable drawer and place it in a drier spot in the fridge.
How many varieties of cucumbers are there?
There are close to 100 cucumber varieties, but we are most familiar with slicing, pickling, and English cucumbers. These three types differ in size, appearance, taste, and texture. Of the three, the English cucumber is favored by many for several reasons.
Why is my cucumber wrapped in shrink wrap?
The interior is a light green studded with very tiny seeds in the center. Because the skin is delicate and easily torn or nicked, which opens the door for mold, it will almost always be packaged in shrink wrap to protect it and extend the cucumber's shelf life.
Do you have to peel an English cucumber?
The skin is thinner than a slicing cucumber and therefore doesn't need to be peeled. And because the seeds are very small and easy to eat and digest, the cucumber doesn't have to be seeded before enjoying—you can simply slice and serve.
What is English cucumber?
It is used as an ingredient in a variety of everyday dishes, from burgers and juices to more special ones like a Greek salad sandwich and cilantro tomato pasta salad.
How many different types of cucumbers are there?
There are nearly a hundred different types of cucumbers, with each having its own characteristics. Coming from the Cucurbitaceae family, some have a bumpy surface while others have a smooth one. There are some cucumbers with many seeds while others have few. But out of all of them, English cucumber, also known as burpless cucumber, ...
What is the difference between slicing cucumbers and slicing cucumbers?
Often seen in groceries, chefs and home cooks serve these cucumbers fresh on sandwiches and salads. Additionally, the skin and seeds of slicing cucumbers are bitter.
How to freeze cucumbers?
Cut the cucumber into cubes then place them in an ice tray. Fill the tray with water then put it in the freezer. When the water is frozen, pop the cucumber cubes out of the tray and transfer them to a freezer bag. Label the bag then store it once again in the freezer.
What is the plant that is used to make pickles?
Pickling Cucumber. First are pickling cucumbers. As the name suggests, these plants are commonly used to make pickles where slices are soaked in vinegar or salted water. They have thin and spiny skins and are shorter compared with slicing cucumbers.
Is English cucumber edible?
Additionally, English cucumber seeds are edible since they are tinier than other cucumber seeds. Because of these facts, it is also called “hothouse” and “seedless” cucumber. In terms of appearance, it is longer and narrower than other cucumbers. And just like any other burpless cucumber, its smooth, thin skin is edible.
Is Persian cucumber good for stir fry?
Additionally, it has a high tolerance for heat due to its solid structure. This characteristic makes the Persian cucumber a good ingredient for stir-fried vegetables like this delicious recipe for a pork and vegetable stir-fry.
What Is an English Cucumber?
English cucumbers — also known as seedless, greenhouse, burpless, or European cucumbers — are long and straight with fewer seeds and thin skins, averaging about a foot in length. For these reasons, they are considered the crème de la crème of cucumbers. Their dark green skin has distinct ridges running the length of the cucumber.
What Does an English Cucumber Taste Like?
In general, English cucumbers are sweeter than the common American cucumber you find in most supermarkets. Part of this is due to the fact that they're seeds are nearly undetectable, so there's no bitter flavor as a result. In terms of texture, they tend to be a bit more firm and crunchy than the common cucumber.
English Cucumbers vs. Other Types of Cucumbers
There are nearly 100 different varieties of cucumbers, but most of them can't be found at the grocery store. Some of the more common varieties include English, American slicing, Persian, and Kirby cucumbers.
Why Are English Cucumbers Wrapped in Plastic?
When you're in the produce aisle, the easiest way to spot an English cucumber is to look for the ones wrapped in plastic. American slicing cucumbers usually have an edible wax coating to prolong their shelf life and reduce moisture loss. But since English cucumbers are typically eaten with the skin on, the same wax coating is not applied.
How to Buy and Store English Cucumbers
You can find English cucumbers in supermarkets year-round, sometimes sold under the name "seedless cucumbers." To check that an English cucumber is ripe, gently squeeze both sides to make sure it's free of soft spots and not mushy, and avoid any that appear limp or shriveled.
How to Use English Cucumbers
Although you don't need to peel English cucumbers, be sure to wash and dry them before using. Their edible skin and tiny seeds means they're great served raw to give any dish an added crunch, including in salads, noodle bowls, wraps, or salsa. Try grating it and adding it to tzatziki sauce, or pureeing it for use in soups.
What is the difference between Persian cucumbers and English cucumbers?
The Difference Between Persian & English Cucumbers. While both varieties of cucumbers have a nice, thin skin that you don’t have to peel, there are a few subtle differences between them. The good news is, though, that they are similar enough that they can be used interchangeably. Both are best enjoyed fresh, whether they’re sliced ...
How long are cucumbers?
These cucumbers are also thin-skinned and pretty much seedless, but they’re about a foot long on average and not as narrow as Persian cukes. Their flavor is a little less sweet and more mild, but they’re still extra crunchy (although they can be a bit more watery).
How long does a Persian cucumber grow?
Persian cucumbers are thin-skinned and only grow to be about five to six inches long and remain quite narrow. These baby cukes are nearly seedless and extra crisp rather than watery, and have a mild, sweet flavor that’s easy to fall for. You’ll often find them in packages of a half-dozen or so.
Can cucumbers be peeled?
There are whole slew of cucumber varieties out there. Some are best pickled, some are best peeled, and some are best just sliced up and enjoyed simply. Two common cukes you may often hear grouped together are Persian and English. These two varieties are both prized for being thin-skinned — so they don’t have to be peeled — ...