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Hot House Cucumber

Fruit

Description
Similar to common cucumbers, hothouse cucumbers are much longer, contain fewer seeds and are most often called English cucumbers. Usually measuring six to twelve inches in length, this burpless variety has been known to reach two feet in length. Marketed individually wrapped, hothouse cucumbers offer a bland cool refreshing taste.

Grow Region


Storage Temperature
Served like the common cucumber, slices make an excellent crunchy addition to salads and sandwiches. Use as an attractive edible garnish. The cucumber's emptied shell makes a clever bowl for dips and appetizers. Add cool crispness to rice and yogurt. To revive a softened cucumber, sprinkle slices with salt; let stand one hour; drain water if necessary; pat dry with paper towels. For an unusual hot vegetable, cut in small pieces; simmer five minutes in salted water until translucent; toss in a handful of fresh peas for added flavor and color. For a tasty side dish, mix slices with sour cream and fresh dill. Mix mayonnaise or salad dressing and vinegar to taste; marinate cucumber slices and white onion. Enhance flavor with dill weed, basil, chives, parsley, chervil and mint. To store, wrap in plastic; refrigerate in crisper drawer up to two weeks. A word on pickling and eating cucumbers: eating ones can be pickled and pickling cucumbers can be eaten raw. Mainly a matter of size, pickling cucumbers are usually small and eating varieties are large.

Availability

Seasons/Availability
Hothouse Cucumbers are available year round and are often marketed as "English" Cucumbers.

Nutritional Facts

Low in food value, the cucumber contains a trace of fat, only a small amount of fiber, no sodium and is cholesterol-free. Note: If allergic to pollen and aspirin, avoid cucumbers, peeled or unpeeled, as they contain ingredients that can make the mouth itch. Eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables lowers the chances of cancer. A recent study found that eating nine or ten daily servings of fruits and vegetables, combined with three low-fat dairy products, effectively lowered blood pressure.