There are forty cucumber varieties on the market. US varieties that grow in our gardens are shorter and massive, while the varieties commonly named "English" or "European" are longer and thinner.

Cucumber is composed of 97 percent water, which certainly makes it a refreshing vegetable, especially during summer heat waves. The blandness of its taste is noticed rather quickly, though sometimes develops some bitter suspicion.

 Cucumber comes from the same family as melons, squash (and courgettes) and pumpkins.