Cucumbers originated in India thousands of years ago. Cucumbers come in several varieties which can be used for different purposes. Some varieties are usually pickled while others are eaten raw.
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Cucumbers
Cucumbers contain water to help keep you hydrated. Cucumbers also have fiber, which helps maintain bowel function. Potassium is a mineral found in cucumbers which helps regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions. Vitamin C is in cucumbers, which helps heal cuts and wounds.
How to Select Cucumbers
Choose firm cucumbers with a dark green color. Avoid if there is a bulge in the middle of the cucumber or if there are soft spots.
How to Store Cucumbers
Store unwashed cucumbers in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to one week.
How to Prepare Cucumbers
- Add to a sandwich or whole wheat wrap
- Try cucumbers on a salad
- Use cucumbers in a gazpacho
- Add cucumbers to a coleslaw
- Make your own tzatziki dip
- Add to a quinoa, brown rice or whole grain pasta salad
- Cut into slices or sticks and dip into hummus
Seasonal Availability of Cucumbers in Nebraska
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest | x | x | x | |||||||||
| Market | x | x | x |
Featured Recipes
Materials to Print
The Seasonal Produce Handouts page includes a variety of handouts, recipes, and recipe cards that are available as downloadable PDFs. You can use these resources in your educational programs.
Source:
- Fruit and Veggie Fact Sheets, UNL Nutrition Education Program
- Seasonal Produce Guide - Cucumbers, SNAP-Ed Connection
- Nebraska Harvest Schedule, Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska
