Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
From C&PWiki
The cucumber is the common English name for the fruit of the annual vine Cucumis sativus. While in botanical terms the cucumber is a fruit, in culinary terms it is considered to be a vegetable.
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Related species
Cucumis sativus is a member of the family Cucurbitiae, a broad grouping of melons, squashes, and pumpkins. The Cucumis genus includes many other edible melons, as well as Cucumis metuliferus, sometimes called the African horned cucumber.
The sea cucumber is so named for its resemblance to the cucumber; it is not related to the true cucumber, being a marine animal sometimes harvested for food in parts of Asia.
Growing cucumbers
Cucumbers are vining annuals. They will grow in almost any soil, but are very sensitive to temperature; plant them after all danger of frost has passed. A warm, sunny spot is crucial for fruit development. In colder climates, cucumbers grow well in greenhouses.
Cucumbers may be started indoors, but since they germinate easily and require only 50-70 days to maturity, this is not normally necessary. Instead, sow directly in hills, with 2-4 seeds per hill. Cucumbers may be grown along the ground, but this will require a large amount of space in the garden. Most cucumbers will climb a trellis, which saves garden space. Each cucumber vine will develop both male and female flowers and they will self-pollinate. Bush varieties are also available which are more compact and suitable for container growing.
Cucumbers can be picked and eaten at almost any stage, depending on the desired use. Overripe cucumbers turn yellow and become bitter.
Eating cucumbers
The best known edible product of Cucumis sativa is the cucumber itself, which is considered a fruit in botantical terms and a vegetable for culinary purposes. It can be eaten raw or cooked.
The blossoms and other parts of the cucumber plant are not typically eaten.
Preserving cucumbers
Cucumbers are one of the most commonly preserved garden plants. They are so often pickled that the term "pickle" used alone is usually assumed to refer to pickled cucumbers.
Raw cucumbers are rarely preserved in any other way; however, pickled cucumbers can be canned or frozen for long storage.
Cucumber wine
Cucumber can be fermented to produce an alcoholic beverage called cucumber wine. This is a country wine with a distinct cucumber flavor and aroma.
Cucumber varieties
Cucumbers are typically divided into "slicing" or "pickling" varieties, based on their size, shape, and appearance. However, pickling varieties are perfectly suitable for eating raw and vice versa.
