Belonging to the Cucurbit family, cucumbers are related to melons, zucchini and pumpkins. They are crunchy and sweet salad vegetables made up of more than 95% water. There are four main types of cucumbers; Lebanese, continental, cocktail and green slicer which range in length, colour and shape.
Cucumbers contain a number of beneficial minerals including; silica, which is an essential component of health connective tissue, silica can also improve the complexion and health of the skin, this is why it is sometimes used as an eye mask. The high water content of a cucumber is also valuable as it is naturally hydrating.

Choose cucumbers with skin that is bright and green, skin should also have a firm and fresh appearance. Cucumbers with soft spots or a yellow colour should be avoided. To store the vegetable you should keep it in the crisper section of the fridge in a plastic bag soon after purchase, it should keep for around a week.

Cucumbers are considered a dieters aid, because they contain the highest amount of water of any fruit or vegetable and very few calories.

The skin is where a lot of the cucumbers nutrients are stored, so removing the skin before eating should be avoided.

The inside of a cucumber can be up to 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature.