Cucumbers
Types, Selection and Storage
In Australia the main types of cucumbers are Lebanese, Telegraph also called Continental or Burpless, Apple which has a creamy-white to light green skin and a rounded shape and should be peeled before use and Gherkin which are short and slim ridged cucumber used for pickling.Select firm cucumbers without bruises that are heavy for their size and rounded at the tips. Avoid shrivelled tips or soft spots. Overall size can vary with the type and includes a very small baby Quke. Smaller, slender cucumbers typically have fewer seeds and more flavour. Store in the crisper section of the refrigerator.
Availability
Cucumbers are available all year round, peak season is November to March.
Using
Cucumbers can be peeled and seeded before use for a less bitter crisper flavour. To remove seeds halve and remove with a teaspoon. Cucumbers are good with sour cream, yoghurt, chives, parsley, cumin, coriander, ginger, dill, mint, lemons, fish, feta, olives and tomatoes.
Nutrition Information
Cucumbers are 95% water, they have little nutritional value or calories.
