Food Guide

Cucumbers

Buying Tips

Cucumbers can be found in the produce section of health food stores and supermarkets. Choose firm cucumbers with smooth, bright skins and no signs of shriveling or soft spots.

Varieties

Cucumbers vary somewhat in size; table cumbers are larger, pickling cucumbers are smaller. English or hothouse cucumbers, sometimes called “burpless,” may be a foot or more long.

Preparation, Uses, & Tips

Wash cucumbers just before using. Unless the skin is waxed, the cucumber doesn’t require peeling; for more flavor, score the skin with the tines of a fork before slicing. The seeds become bitter as the cucumber ages, so remove the seeds from larger cucumbers. Add cucumbers to any tossed salad, or combine cucumber slices with thinly sliced red onion, fat-free yogurt, and fresh dill. For a fresh pickle, slice and combine with water, vinegar, and a little salt.

Storing

Refrigerate them in a plastic bag with holes poked in it for up to five days.

Nutrition Highlights

Cucumber (raw), 1 cup (peeled, sliced) (119g)

  • Calories: 14
  • Protein: 1g
  • Carbohydrate: 3g
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Fiber: 1g

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The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.