Cucumber
The phrase "cool as a cucumber" is not without merit. This vegetable's high water content gives it a very unique moist and cooling taste.
Cucumbers, scientifically known as Cucumis sativus, are grown to either be eaten fresh or to be pickled. Those that are to be eaten fresh are commonly called slicing cucumbers. They are cylindrical in shape and commonly range in length from about six to nine inches, although they can smaller or much larger. Their skin, which ranges in color from green to white, may either be smoothed or ridged depending upon the variety. Inside a cucumber is a very pale green flesh that is dense yet aqueous and crunchy at the same time, as well as numerous edible fleshy seeds. Some varieties, which are grown in greenhouses, are seedless, have thinner skins and are longer in length, usually between 12 and 20 inches. These varieties are often referred to as "burpless" cucumbers since people find them easier to digest than the other varieties of cucumbers.
Cucumbers that are cultivated to make pickles are oftentimes much smaller than slicing cucumbers. Gherkins are one variety of cucumbers cultivated for this purpose.
| Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1/2 cup slices |
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| Amount Per Serving | |
| Calories: 8 | |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat: 0.06g | 0% |
| Cholesterol: 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium: 1mg | 0.04% |
| Total Carbohydrate: 1.89g | 0.63% |
| Dietary Fiber: 0.3 | 0% |
| Sugars: 0.87g | |
| Protein: 0.34g | |
| Vitamin A 1.1% | Vitamin C 2.5% |
| Calcium 0.8% | Iron 0.83% |
| *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. |
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