Guide To Different Types Of Cucumbers | Nature Fresh Farms (2024)

Mellow, fresh, and oh-so-tasty, Cucumbers are the perfect addition to any meal or as a snack on their own. There are many varieties of Cucumbers that are each best suited for different uses—but one thing they all have in common is their incredible versatility that makes them a hit in almost any dish.

Long English Cucumbers, Mini Cucumbers, and co*cktail Cucumbers are some of the most popular varieties of Cucumbers. They can be long and slender to small and snack-sized—and each one is refreshing and delicious. Some are perfect in salads or on sandwiches, some make delicious additions to drinks or smoothies, but all are good for snacking!

These mild vegetables are about 95% water, making them great for keeping yourself hydrated, especially if you struggle to get your eight glasses of water per day. Cucumbers also have anti-inflammatory properties, are gentle on the stomach, and very easy to digest. They’re a great source of nutrients, too! Cucumbers have tons of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K.

We’ve got love for all types of veggies—but Cucumbers rank up there as one of our favorites. Keep reading to learn more about the different varieties of Cucumbers we grow here at Nature Fresh Farms, why we love them, and how you can incorporate each type into your dishes at home!

The Snack Lover’s Guide To Different Types Of Cucumbers

Long English Cucumber

One of the most common types of Cucumbers is the Long English. Like the name says, these Cucumbers are the longest type of Cucumber, usually around fourteen inches. Long English Cucumbers have a good crunch with thin, delicate skin that’s easy to digest. The best part: you don’t even need to peel them—just slice ‘em up and eat them as the perfect quick snack.

This type of Cucumber is great in salads as well as a ton of other things, too! Long English Cucumbers are perfect to use in dressings, smoothies, drinks, and (if you’re looking to try something a little different) even as veggie “noodles”.

Try Long English Cucumbers in these tasty recipes:

Guide To Different Types Of Cucumbers | Nature Fresh Farms (1)

Mini Cucumbers

These tasty little Cucumbers are only 4-6 inches long fully grown and have a delectably mild flavor. The satisfying crunch and thin skin along with their crisp and subtle flavor make them incredibly versatile. Mini Cucumbers are perfect for slaw or pickling and make for great additions to savory or sweet salads.

Eat them as they are as a snack or get creative with some of these recipes:

Guide To Different Types Of Cucumbers | Nature Fresh Farms (2)

co*cktail Cucumbers

Small, refreshing, with a satisfying crunch, these tiny co*cktail Cucumbers are a Cucumber lover’s dream. They’re smaller than Mini Cucumbers—around 2 and a half inches long—making them the smallest Cucumber we grow. Whether you’re preparing a delicious dinner or looking for a quick snack, these convenient Cucumbers don’t need any slicing or peeling!

co*cktail Cucumbers are perfect for wraps, salads, and great for dunking in your favorite dip. Grab some co*cktail Cucumbers and give these recipes a try:

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The Nature Fresh Farms Guide To The Best Cucumbers: Infographic

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Guide To Different Types Of Cucumbers | Nature Fresh Farms (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between the different types of cucumbers? ›

American and English cucumbers are both varieties of slicing cucumber, and they can be easily interchanged in recipes. American cucumbers are shorter and wider than the long, narrow English cucumbers and have a more bitter flavor. English cucumbers are sweeter and contain very few seeds.

What is the best tasting cucumber to grow? ›

The best-tasting cucumbers are those that are slicing cucumbers. English cucumbers don't have the bitter chemical cucurbitacin that some cucumbers have. They also have higher natural sugar content, making them sweeter. ​The lack of seeds and thinner skin also English cucumbers more enjoyable to eat.

What kind of cucumber is best for cucumber salad? ›

I like to use English cucumbers in this recipe because they have thin, delicate skins and nearly undetectable seeds. No need to peel! Red onion – For savory bite. White wine vinegar – It gives the salad a delicious tangy kick.

What are number 1 cucumbers? ›

1 consists of cucumbers which are fairly well colored, fairly well formed, not overgrown, and which are fresh, firm, and free from decay, sunscald and from damage caused by scars, yellowing, sunburn, dirt or other foreign materials, freezing, mosaic or other disease, insects, cuts, bruises, mechanical or other means.

What is the best type of cucumber to eat? ›

English cucumbers, also known as seedless, greenhouse, burpless, or European cucumbers, are long and slender with sweet, firm flesh encased in a smooth, thin, dark green skin. With great crunch and small, almost unnoticeable seeds, these are one of the most versatile cucumbers in the kitchen.

What type of cucumber lasts the longest? ›

Persian Cucumbers: These are thin-skinned and smaller in size. "They tend to be firmer and contain less water content and will survive longer when stored in your fridge for that very reason," says Roszkowski.

What are the most flavorful cucumbers? ›

'Straight Eight' is an heirloom variety from 1935 that has stood the test of time thanks to its reliably great taste. Pick 'Straight Eight' when fruit is 2 to 4 inches long for pickling or harvest at 6 to 8 inches for fresh eating.

Why soak cucumbers in salt water before making cucumber salad? ›

It's just extra-good. I definitely don't always have it together enough to actually do this step, and the salad is delicious either way. The soaking will help the cucumbers to lose less water (so they won't make the dressing watery – IF you drain them well, that is) and they're super cold and crunchy.

Are mini cucumbers as healthy as regular cucumbers? ›

Along with being high in water content, Cucumbers are also low in calories. This means that if you are trying to fill yourself up with healthy plant-based foods, both Mini Cucumbers and co*cktail Cucumbers are an excellent option that don't result in high calorie intake.

What's the difference between Kirby cucumbers and regular cucumbers? ›

Oh, you like pickles? Then you also like kirby cucumbers. These cukes are the most widely-pickled variety of cucumbers. They're short like Persians but a little fatter, with bumpy skin and a dense interior that can hold up up to an assertive brine—big crunch, big flavor, convenient package.

Are Mini Cucumbers as healthy as regular cucumbers? ›

Along with being high in water content, Cucumbers are also low in calories. This means that if you are trying to fill yourself up with healthy plant-based foods, both Mini Cucumbers and co*cktail Cucumbers are an excellent option that don't result in high calorie intake.

What is the difference between slicing and burpless cucumbers? ›

Slicing Cucumbers are the long, straight cucumbers commonly seen in supermarkets. They're bred for fresh eating, with thin, non-bitter skins and slow development of seeds. "Burpless" cucumbers are slicing cucumbers bred to produce less of the bitter chemical that releases gas in the stomach.

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