Cucumber
Gourd☀️ Peak in summer
Used in 14 of 45 cuisines (31%)
The crisp, cool friend on a hot day, always refreshing and never overwhelming.
Crisp and refreshing, cucumber offers a cool burst of hydration with its subtly sweet, grassy notes. This gourd is a staple in salads and pickles, bringing a light crunch that balances richer dishes.
Where it comes from
A staple in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, cucumbers trace their roots back to ancient India over 3,000 years ago, where they were cultivated for their hydrating properties.
In the kitchen
Used raw in salads and sandwiches, cucumbers also shine when pickled or blended into refreshing sauces like tzatziki, adding a vibrant crunch and cooling effect.
Nutrition (per 100g)
113kcalCal
0.7gProtein
5.0gFat
8.4gCarbs
0.6gFiber
Pairs well with
Mint
Slice cucumber, toss with mint. Mint amplifies cucumber's crispness, refreshing every bite.
Yogurt
Grate cucumber into yogurt, chill. The cool crunch lifts yogurt's tang, perfect for a refreshing dip or salad.
Dill
Fresh dill and cucumber, a classic duo. Chop dill finely and toss with sliced cucumber for a crisp, herbaceous lift.
Vinegar
Splash vinegar over sliced cucumber. The sharp tang cuts through the coolness, making a bright, quick pickle.
Wakame
Cucumber's crisp, refreshing bite complements wakame's oceanic flavor. Slice thin and toss together.
Surimi
Crisp cucumber adds freshness and crunch, balancing surimi's soft texture in salads or rolls.
Tobiko
Crisp cucumber refreshes the palate, its coolness amplifying tobiko's oceanic notes. Slice thin for best texture contrast.
