Cucumbers

Cucumbers are long, green vegetables that grow on a vine. They have smooth or bumpy skin and white flesh inside with tiny seeds. Cucumbers are very refreshing because they are mostly water. People eat them raw in salads or turn them into pickles.

Growing Cucumbers

Cucumbers grow on long vines that crawl along the ground or climb up fences. The plant has big green leaves and yellow flowers. After the flower falls off, a tiny cucumber starts to grow. It gets bigger and bigger until it is ready to pick. Cucumbers like warm, sunny weather.

Cucumbers and Pickles

A pickle is a cucumber that has been soaked in salty water or vinegar. The soaking changes the cucumber and makes it last a long time. There are many kinds of pickles, like sweet, sour, and dill. People have been making pickles for more than 4,000 years. Pickles are a popular snack and sandwich topping.

Fun Facts

• Cucumbers are about 96 percent water, more than almost any other food.
• Cucumbers are actually a fruit, not a vegetable.
• The longest cucumber ever grown was over 3 feet long.

Did You Know?

Putting cucumber slices on your eyes can help them feel less puffy. The coolness and water in the cucumber soothe tired skin.