Widely regarded as a vegetable, Cucumber botanically is a fruit and belongs to the same family as zucchini, pumpkin or watermelon.
Cucumbers come in many different varieties that can be divided into two categories: pickling and slicing.
In addition to being smaller, pickling cucumbers can be oblong and short to long and cylindrical, and they have thin, green skin, which is ideal for pickling.
On the other hand, slicing cucumbers are thick-skinned, large and cylindrical, with a length of 15-20 centimeters. In some varieties, the skin is smooth while in others, it is ribbed with small bumps and nodes.
In addition to the light whitish green flesh with edible seeds, cucumber flesh has a crisp, aqueous texture and a mild floral and grassy flavor.
Small cucumbers (pickling cucumbers) have an average length of 2.5 – 12 cm (1 – 5 inches). Large cucumbers (slicing cucumbers) have an average length of 15-20 cm (6 – 8 inches).
Among other vitamins and nutrients, cucumbers are rich in vitamin A, K, and C, folic acid, and potassium. Furthermore, it contains silica, a trace mineral that is essential for maintaining and improving the strength of connective tissue.
Scientific name of Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
Other names of Cucumber
- Pepino
- Cetriolo
- Gherkins
- Concombre
Calories by source in Cucumber
- Calories by carbohydrate in Cucumber = 79%
- Calories by fat in Cucumber = 5%
- Calories by protein in Cucumber = 16%
Fats and Fatty Acid profile of Cucumber
- Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) in Cucumber = 43%
- Saturated fat (SFA) in Cucumber = 50%
- Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) in Cucumber = 7%
Nutrition facts of Cucumber
*Serving size = 100 grams = 3.55 Ounces = 1/2 cup
*DV= % Daily Value (%DV indicates how much nutrients contribute to a person’s daily diet from a serving of a food. DV assists you in determining whether or not a serving of food is high or low in a particular nutrient.)
| Nutrient | Amount | Unit | DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 15 | KCAL | |
| Fat | 0.11 | GRAM | 0% |
| Protein | 0.65 | GRAM | 1% |
| Carbohydrate | 3.63 | GRAM | 1% |
Detailed vitamin profile of Cucumber, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, and Riboflavin is shown in the chart.
Detailed mineral profile of Cucumber, Sodium(Na), Calcium(Ca), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg), Selenium(Se), Phosphorus(P), Potassium(K) and Zinc(Zn) is shown the chart.
Check freshness in Cucumber
- Select cucumbers with bright dark green color
- Should not be squishy. Should be dense and heavy for its size
- Should have shine and feel slippery to the touch and not sticky
- Old cucumbers with slight yellowing patches shall be avoided
- Small and slender cucumber are more tender than bigger cucumbers
Availability of Cucumber
- Generally cucumbers are available round the year
How to store Cucumber
- Cucumbers can be stored in crisper sections of refrigerator for about a week
- Avoid washing the cucumbers if planning to store them in refrigerator
- Cut cucumbers must be stored in refrigerator tightly wrapped in an air tight plastic sheet or bag. ( this will prevent the cucumber slices from drying)
Complete nutrition facts of Cucumber
Click on the link HERE to download high quality, high resolution and print ready PDF version of the Cucumber nutrition chart/infographic.
