Slicing CucumberS
Name
In the US, when we think of a cucumber, a specific kind comes to mind. Forest green, rotund, stout, and thick waxy skin. A substantial vegetable. In the culinary world, this is one of many types of cucumbers. As such, we often refer to it as a slicing cucumber.
Characteristics
Slicing cucumbers are often short, dense, more uniform, and heavy with water.
Their skin is thick. It appears waxy and smooth, making for a more handsome appearance in the produce aisle. That thick skin is also slightly bitter and tough. The seeds are also quite bitter.
Slicing cucumbers are often less expensive. The thickness of the skin is a virtue when it comes to longevity because it keeps the vegetable fresher for longer.
Eating Slicing Cucumbers
While the thick skin is great for longevity, not everyone enjoys it. You may want to peel at least some of the skin off before eating. In salads, leaving about half of the peel on gives some texture.
Cucumberโs light, melony flavor is a classic addition to infused waters and smoothies. The gentle flavor adds to the hydration. A slicing cucumber is great for cucumber water, but definitely remove the peel first.
By peeling your cucumber lengthways into long, broad strips youโll end up with a cucumber ribbon. These can be rolled up into wraps or simply piled into a bowl noodle-style. For cucumber ribbons, the slicing cucumber does not need to be peeled given how thin the skin will be on each ribbon.
English Cucumbers
Name
English cucumbers are named that because, well, theyโre popular in England. This is simply a variety that the English people prefer, and it has been bred to match their taste. A cucumber tea sandwich with a nice cup of tea is divine.
Characteristics
English cucumbers are long and thin and rarely waxed.
Their skin is bumpier, more ridged, and far thinner than a slicing cucumberโs. The skin is also less bitter and vegetal, which eliminates the need for peeling for many.
They are called โseedless,โ but English cucumbers do in fact have seeds. Theyโre just less substantial than other cucumbers as they are smaller, but also less bitter.
English cucumbers tend to be more expensive. They also have a shorter shelf life and donโt travel as well, further contributing to their price. Most English cucumbers come wrapped in plastic for this reason, which unfortunately adds to plastic waste. Boo!
Eating English Cucumbers
English cucumbers make great tea sandwiches. The basics are white bread, cream cheese, and thinly sliced English cucumbers. And don’t forget to cut off the crust! Make them into tiny finger sandwiches and enjoy.
English cucumbers also lend themselves to being cooked.
Basically, slicing cucumbers are built for speed, and English cucumbers are built for comfort. To an extent they are interchangeable, more or less, but depending on the dish, each variety has its place.
