English cucumbers

a.k.a.

greenhouse, European, or seedless cucumbers

what is it?

Also known as greenhouse, European, or seedless cucumbers, English cucumbers are 10 to 12 inches long and slender and are usually sold in plastic sleeves. With their thin skins, undeveloped seeds, and uniform shape, they are ideal for slicing into salads and garnishing appetizers.

Cucumbers’ mild, sweet flavor makes them a good match for almost anything. They're great paired with onions, tomatoes, peppers, and any summery herb, as well as with fish and shellfish, chicken, pork, and lamb. Creamy dairy products like yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, feta, and goat cheese give them richness and a welcome tang, while aromatics like capers, olives, garlic, lemon, and lime add a little punch.

how to choose:

Firmness is your best clue to freshness when shopping for cucumbers. Avoid limp or shriveled ones. Keep an eye out for fruits that seem slender for their size. This means they’re younger, so chances are they’ll have either undeveloped or fewer seeds.

how to prep:

English cucumbers have naturally thin, tender skins, so they don’t need peeling.