About Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a favorite with professional and home gardeners alike. They grow without much prompting and can be used in salads, on sandwiches or to make ever-popular pickles. Learn about the history of cucumbers, as well as how to best grow and use this "cool" gourd, which technically classifies as a fruit.

History

Cucumbers are native to Northern India. They were brought to China around 200 B.C.E. by Chang-kien, a Chinese ambassador, according to a report by Oregon State University. Pliny the Elder, a first century Roman official, naturalist and historian, described several varieties of both wild and cultivated cucumbers. Charlemagne, king of the Frankish empire, had cucumbers grown in the royal gardens during the ninth century. Spaniards brought cucumbers to Haiti in the late 1400s.

Types

There are dozens of varieties of cucumbers. Most can be subcategorized under two main categories: pickling and slicing. Sweet Slice, Burpee and Poinsett cucumbers are some of the types that are best for salads or sandwiches. Bush Crop, Carolinas and Kirby are some cucumber varieties that pickle the best. Bush cucumbers can be grown in containers, making them ideal for gardeners with limited space. Vine cucumbers, however, need some room to spread out.

Benefits

Cucumber offers many health benefits and can be used both internally and externally. Cucumber slices placed over tired eyes will help relieve puffiness and dark circles. Drinking juiced cucumber will alleviate ulcers and heartburn. Cucumbers are extremely low in calories--only about 15 calories per cup--and high in water content, making them an ideal food for people trying to lose weight. It is also an effective diuretic, helping to flush the body of excess fluids.

Features

Slicing cucumbers are available year-round. However, they are at their peak during the spring and summer months, specifically May through July. Cucumbers contain a fair amount of vitamins A and C, as well as silica, a compound known for nourishing muscles, ligaments and bones. Because it is so high in water and fiber content, cucumber helps you feel fuller and increases regularity. Plus, the high levels of fiber, magnesium and potassium can help lower high blood pressure.

Considerations

Cucumbers require a sunny area in which to grow and do best when the average temperature is about 17 degrees F. Vine varieties will happily climb up trellises, providing another option for gardeners short on space. Cucumber vines have both male and female flowers. Male flowers will bloom first and drop away. After a combination of male and female flowers bloom, you will begin to see cucumbers. Plan to harvest at about 2 months after planting.

Resources

• Oregon State's History of the Cucumber
• Cucumber Recipes
• Caring for Cucumber Plants