What Is An English Cucumber?
This common cucumber variety is also known as seedless, greenhouse, or European cucumbers.
There’s lots of cucumber varieties out there, but we all have our favorite kind to enjoy. English cucumbers are a common variety also known as seedless, greenhouse, or European cucumbers. They can be eaten in so many ways, from marinated or raw in salads, to cold appetizers or in sandwiches. There are as many ways to appreciate a cucumber as there are cucumber varieties to try.
But what is this long cucumber, and why is it wrapped in plastic? Read on to learn from experts how to buy, store, and eat English cucumbers.
Related: 15 Fresh Cucumber Recipes To Cool You Down This Summer
What Is An English Cucumber?
“English cucumbers are characterized by their long and narrow shape (much slimmer than traditional cucumbers and usually around a foot in length) along with having thin, tender skin that does not require peeling and most of the time, hardly have any seeds,” says Nancy Trautz-Awot, Horticulture Specialist at Burpee Gardening.
The cucumber is a creeping vine plant that grows into a cylindrical shape. “It is a nutritious watery vegetable that keeps us hydrated; it has fiber, vitamin K, and Vitamin A. There are about 100 varieties and cultivators,” says Richard LaMarita, plant-based culinary arts chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education.
But the English cucumber is a very unique sort of cucumber and deserves its own attention. “Even though it is called seedless, it does have seeds, but they are small and edible,” says LaMarita. The taste is mildly sweet. It will not overpower a dish. It is considered one of the sweetest varieties of cucumbers, mainly because the seeds are not bitter.
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What English Cucumbers Look And Taste Like
If you are a fan of English cucumbers, there are certain telltale characteristics to look out for when grocery shopping. You are going to want to look for a cucumber that is deep green in color but skinny and long with skin that is thin and smooth, not bumpy.
As for taste, it’s going to be unique. “Flavor profiles of English cucumbers are generally sweeter—the English cucumber was specifically bred to remove all of the undesirable traits of common cucumbers, so you’ll notice the seeds are smaller and more digestible, along with not having a bitter taste,” says Trautz-Awot.
Where To Buy English Cucumbers
English cucumbers are readily available in supermarkets, farmers markets, and anywhere else you may do your weekly grocery shopping.
“They are traditionally grown in greenhouses all over the world, making them virtually always 'in-season' unlike the pickling or slicing cucumbers we enjoy only in the summers here in the South,” says Sarah Hester, MS, RD, Manager of Community Wellness of The Dairy Alliance in North Carolina and South Carolina.
How To Store English Cucumbers
Treat all of your produce in a way that lasts for as long as possible at utmost taste and freshness. “Wash, slice, and store [them] in an air-tight container in your refrigerator for up to three to five days. Unwashed or cut, cucumbers will last up to two weeks,” says Hester.
The English cucumber is hearty and can last for a good long time, so don’t feel like you need to buy it the day you are using it. Just pick a few up during your usual weekly grocery shopping. Wrap whole or partially cut cucumbers in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator's crisper drawer to prevent deterioration from ethylene gas emitted by other produce.
Related: How To Store Cucumbers So They Stay Crisp As Long As Possible
How To Tell If English Cucumbers Are Ripe
Ripe English cucumbers are smooth with a deep green skin. “Like most fruit and vegetables, cucumbers should have a firm texture, even color, unbruised, no soft spots, sliminess, or mold,” says LaMarita.
If growing or picking English cucumbers, pick them at their height of ripeness because after they are picked, they are done ripening. Stay away from cucumbers with any bruising or nicks in the skin because these can lead to deterioration.
Ways To Prepare English Cucumbers
Many, including chefs such as LaMarita, love English cucumbers in their natural state—served cold and raw. “They can be marinated with a vinaigrette, tossed in a mixed salad, as part of a cucumber toast, juiced, or just snacked on for their refreshing taste and texture,” says LaMarita.
Although the most popular way to eat English cucumbers is raw in a salad, there are many recipes for cooked cucumbers that are excellent. “They can be sautéed, pan-fried, stir-fried, or roasted. Use your imagination. When cooked, they will keep their characteristic taste, but they will lose that trademark texture,” says LaMarita.
“I love telling clients to slice and layer cucumbers onto a wrap with turkey, hummus, tomato, mustard, and dill. The English cucumber can be sliced thin, so making small ‘rounds’ will fit perfectly into a sandwich!” says Robin DeCicco, holistic nutritionist of The Power of Food Education.
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
DeCicco also loves to make cucumber "crackers" with hummus, guacamole, cubes of cheese, nut butter, or chive cream-cheese for a nutritious and satisfying snack. But English cucumbers can be used in any recipe in which you would use any other traditional cucumber option.
“I love using English cucumbers in place of traditional cucumbers due to their thin skin and limited amount of seeds. They do not need to be peeled because their skin is very tender. I also like to pickle them with that tender skin. I believe they infuse quicker and really take on the flavor of your choosing,” says Kyle Swartzendruber, Executive Chef at Soby's New South Cuisine in Greenville, South Carolina.
Try some of these recipes that use English cucumbers:
How English Cucumbers Differ From Other Varieties
The English cucumber differs from the classic American cucumber in several ways. First, as mentioned already, they are sweeter. “The standard cucumber also comes with a waxy finish and has a thicker skin. You may want to peel it. In addition, the seeds are larger and a bit bitter; you may want to seed it,” says LaMarita.
The Persian is an excellent cucumber. “It is small with smooth skin and few seeds. It is a firm cucumber and is great in salads and when cooked because it does not lose much of its texture,” explains LaMarita.
The Kirby is a cucumber that is cultivated as a pickling cucumber. “It is grown to be consistent in size (good for pickling) and superbly crunchy. You absolutely do not need to peel and I would not recommend it,” adds LaMarita.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do English cucumbers come wrapped in plastic?
They usually come wrapped in plastic as the skin is thin and they will bruise easily. They also dehydrate easily and can become limp as they lose moisture. Common cucumbers have a wax coating that protects them. Keeping cucumbers wrapped helps extend their life.
How much do English cucumbers cost?
It will depend, but English cucumbers can be found at many supermarkets and are usually more expensive than common cucumbers unless on sale or bought in larger quantities.
What is a substitute for English cucumber?
Depending on the dish, other varieties will work in place of English cucumbers. In recipes where the cucumbers will be used raw, Persian cucumbers have thin skin that doesn’t need to be peeled and they can be used interchangeably with English cucumbers. In recipes where the cucumber will be cooked, such as a stir-fry, zucchini makes a good swap.
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