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Cucumber

Whether tossed into a salad, pickled for a tangy crunch, or added to your water for a refreshing twist, cucumber is the ultimate hydrator. With its high water content and a boost of vitamins, cucumber helps keep you feeling fresh and energised all day long.

Ready to explore more? Discover everything about this versatile veggie and get inspired with new flavour pairings and creative ways to enjoy it!

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Cucumber types

Cucumbers come in different sizes, making them perfect for a variety of dishes and uses. 

  • Lebanese cucumbers: small, slender, and dark green with smooth skin. Great for salads and snacking; no need to peel. 
  • Continental (Telegraph) cucumbers: long, thin, and often sold wrapped in plastic to retain moisture. Ideal for slicing and salads. 
  • Snack cucumbers: small, seedless, and crunchy. Great for lunchboxes and dips. 
  • Apple cucumber: round and pale green to yellow, resembling an apple. Eaten raw or pickled.

Preparing cucumber

Raw

Eating cucumber raw

Cucumbers are often enjoyed raw, but there are so many fun and flavourful ways to use them. Try grated cucumber in a refreshing tzatziki, or use cucumber ribbons to add a touch of elegance to your salads.

Ever heard of bruised cucumber? It’s a traditional technique in Asian cuisine where the cucumber is lightly smashed. This helps it soak up the flavours of herbs, spices, and dressings even better - perfect for bold, zesty dishes.

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Wok

Cucumber wok

In many Asian cuisines, it is quite common to stir-fry cucumbers. Simply slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, cut into your desired thickness, and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes. The result is a warm, slightly crisp veggie that soaks up sauces beautifully.

Have you heard of the wok cucumber? It’s a newer variety specially bred for cooking. With less moisture and a firmer skin than regular cucumbers, it holds up in high-heat dishes like stir-fries. No sogginess- just crisp, flavourful bites every time. 

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Delicious
recipes
with cucumber

Smashed crunchy cucumber salad with mint and Asian-style dressing
Cook time
25 min
Lamb kofta with 'Tiny Q's' cucumbers and yoghurt sauce
Cook time
60 min
Middle Eastern 'Tiny Q' cucumber salad
Cook time
10 min
Rice paper rolls with cucumber and peanut sauce
Cook time
20 min
Korean cucumber salad (oi muchim)
Cook time
10 min
Veggies
100%
Cucumber/pineapple juice with a splash of coconut milk
Cook time
5 min
Oriental salad with baby cucumbers and a spicy dressing
Cook time
30 min
Mezze platter with baby cucumbers, beetroot spread and tzatziki
Cook time
20 min
Veggies
98%
Caprese hearts with baby cucumbers and pesto
Cook time
15 min
Baby cucumber sandwich
Cook time
20 min
More delicious recipes

Snackable facts

Buying and Storing Flavour pairings Hacks and tips Cucumbers in Season

Buying and Storing Cucumbers

A cucumber is at its best when it’s firm to the touch and has a consistent, vibrant green colour.

While many Aussies pop cucumbers straight into the fridge, here’s a handy tip: they also store well in a cool, dry spot on your kitchen bench. In fact, keeping them out of the fridge can help maintain their texture and flavour for longer - especially in milder climates

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The Best Flavour Combinations with Cucumber

With their crisp texture and mild, refreshing taste, cucumbers pair beautifully with a wide variety of flavours. 

  • Vegetables: Chilli, tomato, onion
  • Nuts, seeds: Sesame seeds
  • Herbs and spices: Dill, coriander, mint, garlic
  • Fruit: Lemon, lime, melon
  • Dairy: Yogurt, feta
  • Other: Vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, salmon
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Cucumber tips

Trying to stay more hydrated? Add a cucumber to your daily diet! This vegetable is more than 90% water and contains vitamins C and K. Not only does it serve as a natural thirst quencher, but it also gives you a great health boost. 

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When Are Cucumbers in Season?

Cucumbers can be grown and harvested year-round in Australia. 

FAQ
Cucumber

Cucumbers can be beneficial for managing blood pressure. Cucumbers are high in potassium (a mineral that helps balance sodium levels in the body), naturally low in sodium, and contain 95% water, which supports hydration. They are also rich in antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress - both of which are linked to high blood pressure. 

Cucumbers and pickles are often confused, but there's an important distinction between them. While both come from the same plant family, fresh cucumbers are mild in flavor and naturally hydrating. Pickles, on the other hand, are cucumbers that have been preserved in a brine of vinegar, salt, and sometimes sugar. These added ingredients - especially the high sodium content - make pickles a less healthy option compared to fresh cucumbers.

Cucumbers are best known for their high water content, but they also contain beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and iron. In 100 grams of cucumber, there is approximately 1.1 mg of iron.
While cucumbers provide a moderate amount of iron, other vegetables, such as spinach, purslane, and Swiss chard, contain higher amounts.