Table of contents
Raw cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are popular in peeled form in salads due to their delicate texture and are one of the lower-calorie vegetables due to their high water content. Organic quality is preferable.
Use in the kitchen
Cucumbers are used in many dishes, both peeled and unpeeled and offer a welcome refreshment on hot summer days due to their high water content. Their taste is mild and they are particularly popular in sliced or diced form in salads. A popular dish is the classic cucumber salad with finely sliced cucumbers, usually combined with oil ( rapeseed oil ), vinegar, salt and herbs. Dill and parsley complement the refreshing cucumber taste. Healthier variants are oil-free salad dressings, such as the oil-free salad dressing with walnuts or with avocado and onion . Cucumber salad is also often prepared with a dressing made from sour cream or yogurt. For a vegan variant, soy yogurt, coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream are suitable alternatives. Cucumbers are also an ingredient in Greek salad, where they are cut into larger pieces, and in Israeli salad, where they are diced very finely.
Peeled cucumbers are often more popular in salads because they taste more delicate and fine, such as in the vegan colorful lentil salad with olives . Peeled cucumbers are ideal for pickled cucumbers because they can absorb the spices and flavors better without the peel.
Do you have to peel cucumbers? Cucumbers, such as salad cucumbers, can be eaten with the skin on. So there is no need to peel them. The skin also contains many nutrients - more details can be found in the ingredient salad cucumbers with skin . Occasionally the skin of cucumbers and the area underneath can taste bitter. This is especially the case with late-harvested, larger fruits. The slight bitterness is particularly noticeable in the area around the stem. Here it helps to peel the cucumber in order to generously remove the bitter part. If the cucumber tastes unpleasantly bitter and alien, then you should not eat it and spit it out straight away. Cucurbitacins can possibly form again through accidental backcrossing. Cucurbitacins can have a toxic effect - more on this in the "Dangers" chapter. Another reason for removing the skin is the contamination by pesticides in cucumbers from conventional cultivation. We recommend paying attention to organic quality when buying cucumbers and always washing them before eating them so that you can eat the peel without any worries.
In Asia, cooked cucumbers are used as a warm side dish. Raw cucumbers taste great in summer rolls, maki and salads. Asian cucumber salad differs from the classic one in that it has thicker cucumber slices and a dressing made from rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce and chili paste. For different variations, you can also add sesame, garlic, chili flakes, lime juice or various types of nuts.
Cucumbers are also a component of smoothies, in Greek tzatziki (tzatziki, zaziki), in bowls and in cream sauces. They can be found as an ingredient on a raw vegetable platter and as a topping on bread. Cucumbers are suitable as a dip for hummus and various spreads and in soups. The most well-known variant of soup with cucumbers is gazpacho, a southern Spanish and Portuguese, raw vegetable soup served cold.
In Indian cuisine, cucumbers are used in the Kachumber salad or in the yoghurt dip Raita. Cucumbers are also ideal for making curries and chutneys, and the combination with various spices and herbs, such as turmeric, coriander and chili, gives them an exotic touch. The cucumber flavour also harmonizes well with mustard seeds, fennel seeds, allspice and bay leaves .
It is also possible to pickle cucumbers at home and preserve them using lactic acid fermentation. Usually, smaller gherkins are used for pickled cucumbers and not salad cucumbers.
Vegan recipe for cucumber gazpacho
Ingredients: 1 peeled cucumber (organic), 1 tbsp fresh dill (organic), 1 tbsp fresh basil (organic), ½ orange, 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar (Condimento bianco), 1 tbsp organic lemon juice, 2 tbsp soy yoghurt, salt ,pepper .
Preparation: Roughly dice the peeled cucumber. Mix the cucumber cubes with dill, basil, orange juice, white balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and soy yoghurt and puree finely. Then season with salt and pepper and chill the cucumber gazpacho for 1 hour.
Vegan recipes with peeled cucumbers (raw) can be found under the note: " Recipes that have the most of this ingredient ".
| Not only vegans or vegetarians should read this: Vegans often eat unhealthily. Avoidable nutritional errors . |
Purchasing - Storage
You cannot buy peeled and fresh cucumbers in the supermarket. Raw cucumbers with peel are part of the standard range in the vegetable department of many supermarkets, such as: Coop, Migros, Denner, Volg, Spar, Rewe, Billa, Edeka, Aldi, Lidl or Hofer . Usually both conventional cucumbers and organic cucumbers are available. Organic quality can definitely be found in organic supermarkets such as Denn's Biomarkt and Alnatura . Particularly fresh cucumbers are available at weekly markets in midsummer.
In some online shops for the catering sector you can find peeled cucumbers. In some shops you can buy peeled cucumbers in the form of mustard cucumbers or honey cucumbers.
The cucumber season in the DA-CH countries extends from April to September . 1 Although cucumbers are available all year round, in winter they either come from greenhouses or have travelled long distances, which must be taken into account from an ecological point of view.
When buying cucumbers, it is advisable to make sure that the skin is undamaged and firm. If the cucumber peels and is soft in certain places, it is no longer fresh.
The availability of cucumbers (raw) varies depending on the size of the store, catchment area, etc. Our recorded food prices for the DA-CH countries can be found above under the ingredient image - and by clicking on them you can see their development at various suppliers.
Storage tips
The skin of cucumbers protects them from spoiling. Peeled cucumbers are more sensitive and do not keep as long as cucumbers with the skin. Peeled cucumbers have a shelf life of 1-2 days in the refrigerator. As the outer protective layer is lost, they also lose consistency and flavor. It is advisable to store cucumbers with the skin on and only peel them shortly before use. Salad cucumbers with the skin on have a shelf life of up to 3 weeks at storage temperatures of 7 to 15 °C.
Ingredients - Nutritional values - Calories
What nutritional values does a peeled cucumber have? The peeled cucumber contains 12 kcal/100g raw. Its water content can be up to 97%, which is why it is one of the lower-calorie vegetables. The macronutrients are divided into 2.2 g carbohydrates, 0.59 g protein and 0.16 g fat per 100 g peeled cucumber. It is almost fat-free and very low in protein. Its fiber content covers 2.8% of the daily requirement. 2
The raw cucumber contains 7.2 µg of vitamin K per 100 g, which is 10% of the daily requirement. The peeled cucumber contains more than twice as much, at 16 µg per 100 g. Swiss chard (830 µg/100g) and kale (705 µg/100g) have a high vitamin K content. Other vitamins in the peeled cucumber are vitamin C and pantothenic acid . However, they only occur in small quantities. 2
The potassium content of a peeled cucumber is 136 mg/100g, which covers 7% of the daily requirement. Red onions have similar values. Vegetables with a lot of potassium are fennel bulbs with 3 times the amount (414 mg/100g) and spinach (558 mg/100g) with 4 times the amount. Cucumbers also contain small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus and calcium . 2 You can find exact values in the nutritional tables.
In addition, peeled cucumbers contain 14 µg/100g of folate, similar to lamb's lettuce . To reach the recommended daily dose of 200 µg, it is recommended to eat pulses, grains, brassicas and green leafy vegetables such as mung beans (cooked: 159 µg/100g), kale (141 µg/100g) and spinach (194 µg/100g). 2
Studies show that cucumbers contain important bioactive compounds such as steroids, terpenoids, glycosides and resins. Other secondary plant substances such as saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids have been identified in moderate concentrations. Small amounts of tannins are also present. 5
The complete ingredients of peeled cucumbers, the coverage of the daily requirement and comparison values with other ingredients can be found in our nutrient tables. In the article Nutrients explained you will get a detailed insight into the topic.
Health Effects
There are no specific studies on the health benefits of unpeeled cucumbers. The research findings generally refer to cucumbers with the skin on, but they are equally applicable to peeled cucumbers.
One study examined the effects of ethanol extracts from cucumber (along with bottle gourd and squash) on diabetes. It found antihyperglycemic effects, as evidenced by a reduction in blood sugar levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, as well as lipid-lowering properties. 9 Despite these findings, there are limited scientific studies investigating these properties in more detail. Further studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms and to confirm these effects clinically.
The seeds in the cucumber have antibacterial properties. In addition, antifungal effects were found in studies of ethanolic extracts of cucumber and seeds. 10
Cucumbers also prove to be a supportive agent in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (chronic inflammatory bowel disease) and have liver-protective effects. 10
Formulated as a cream, cucumber can have a positive effect on wound healing and scarring. A study on rats showed a significant reduction in wound area, epithelialization time and scar width when applied locally. At the same time, the wound contraction rate increased compared to the control group. In addition, a reduction in inflammation and an increase in tissue blood flow and proliferation were observed. The flavonoids contained in cucumber and their antioxidant properties probably contribute to the improved wound healing in laboratory rats. 11
A study analyzed the effects of the aqueous extract of cucumber pulp on digestion and related problems. The results indicate a soothing effect on bloating and gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as acid-inhibiting properties at high concentrations by stabilizing the pH value in the stomach. 12 Despite these findings, further research and clinical studies are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of these properties.
In addition, the secondary metabolite α-spinasterol, a phytosterol, is present in cucumber. Although most studies focus on α-spinasterol in cucumber seed oil, it has also been identified in the fruit pulp. Studies on this topic are limited and some have not yet been published. The main pharmacological activities of α-spinasterol include the treatment of diabetes mellitus and anti-inflammatory properties. 13
Cucumber seed oil, extracted from cucumber seeds, contains polyunsaturated fatty acids that have potential diuretic, antihypertensive, carcinopreventive (cancer-inhibiting) and cholesterol-lowering properties. Cucumber seed oil may have a positive effect on reducing cardiovascular disease. This effect may result from the phytochemicals it contains, including saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids and phytosterols. 14 Further studies are needed to further characterize the exact health benefits of cucumber seed oil and its constituents.
Dangers - Intolerances - Side effects
Cucumbers contain cucurbitacins, which can cause toxic effects. Consumption of cucurbitacins can cause unwanted reactions such as dizziness, nausea and diarrhea. During breeding and selection, cucumbers have been specifically adapted so that they no longer contain bitter substances. The lack of cucurbitacins is probably due to a suppressor gene or a mutation. However, in rare cases, backcrossing and stress can lead to the renewed formation of bitter substances. Even in the smallest quantities, cucurbitacins give an extremely bitter and unpleasant taste. Due to the naturally sweet taste of pumpkin plants, they can easily be distinguished from mutated plants and their fruits. If cultivated cucumbers taste bitter and alien, they should not be consumed. 8 Cucurbitacins have strong biological effects in isolated form, such as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. 7
People who are allergic to ragweed may experience cross-reactions with cucumbers and other relatives of the Cucurbitaceae family (pumpkin family), such as melons or zucchini . Eating cucumbers can therefore cause allergic reactions due to the protein profilin they contain. 15
Allergies or intolerances to cucumbers are rarely documented, but cannot be ruled out and can occur in rare cases. Work-related allergies can also occur in greenhouse workers. These allergies manifest themselves in the form of asthma, rhinitis or hives (contact urticaria). 16
Folk medicine - natural healing
In traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM ), cucumber is said to have blood-cleansing, diuretic, moisturizing and thirst-quenching properties. In folk medicine, it is therefore used for gout, bladder problems and for drainage. Cucumber is also used for heartburn, acne and eczema. Externally, it can be helpful for sunburn or red, swollen eyes.
Ecological footprint - animal welfare
The ecological footprint of cucumbers varies depending on the cultivation system and regionality. The regional climate is too cold outside of the season from April to September, which is why cucumbers are cultivated in greenhouses. However, year-round cultivation in greenhouses requires large amounts of energy for heating. A study compared the emission values of regional cucumbers from conventional production in greenhouses with imported organic cucumbers from Spain in the period from January to May. The CO 2 equivalents showed only a small difference at 0.51 kg and 0.43 kg CO 2 eq/kg for local conventional cucumbers and 0.45 kg CO 2 eq/kg for imported organic cucumbers from Spain. The transport of the imported organic cucumbers accounts for half of the CO 2 emissions, while for regional cucumbers the heating of the greenhouses and fertilization are significant. 17
Another study found a similar ecological footprint for conventional and organic cucumbers at 0.4 kg CO 2 eq/kg. The plastic film packaging did not influence the ecological footprint. 18 A life cycle assessment study examined cucumbers produced in Spain and sold in Switzerland and found that the plastic packaging only contributes about 1% to the total environmental impact of the cucumber. The plastic film protects the cucumbers and helps to minimize food waste. The use of plastic film can make sense from an ecological point of view, as the environmental benefit of the packaging is greater than the associated environmental impact. 20
The CO 2 footprint of cucumbers is relatively small compared to other foods: beef produces an average of 13.6 kg CO 2 eq/kg. 17 In general, one can say that if you buy a local cucumber during the season, you are supporting the cucumber with the smallest ecological footprint. Make sure it is organic quality.
The global average water footprint of cucumbers is 353 l/kg. In comparison, the water consumption of other vegetables, such as pumpkins, is 336 l/kg and eggplants 362 l/kg. Vegetables have an average water footprint of around 300 l/kg, significantly less than grains with 1600 l/kg and spices with 7000 l/kg. 19
It should be noted that the values for the ecological footprint and the water footprint apply to the cucumber with the peel, as there is no data for the peeled cucumber.
According to the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, cucumbers from conventional cultivation are relatively often contaminated with pesticide residues. A study from 2009 examined 87 samples and found more than one active ingredient (multiple residues) per sample in 40% of them. A total of 37 different active ingredients were found and in two samples the maximum permitted concentration was even exceeded. However, the values were below the acute reference dose. 23 It is advisable to pay attention to organic quality when buying cucumbers, as products from organic farming generally have hardly any pesticide contamination.
Worldwide occurrence - cultivation
The origin of cucumbers is thought to be in India, where they have been growing for several thousand years. The wild ancestor is said to be Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii, which grows at the foot of the Himalayas. 3 Nowadays, cucumbers are cultivated in greenhouses and outdoors throughout Europe. 21
Compared to India, only a few types of cucumber are commercially available in Europe. There are many varieties there that differ in size, shape and color. In addition to green cucumbers, there are also orange, yellow and white varieties as well as very long fruits with a length of up to 1 m. A yellow skin can also occur if the plant is infested with pests or is stressed. You can also buy twisted and crooked specimens.
Cultivation - Harvest
The cucumber is an annual, climbing plant that can grow up to 4 m high. Its leaves are stalked, coarsely hairy, heart-shaped, slightly lobed and finely toothed at the leaf edge. The salad cucumber has shoots with fine spines that form winding tendrils. 21
The flowers of the cucumber are yellow and funnel-shaped. Cucumber plants are usually monoecious, which means that each plant produces either male or female flowers. Nowadays, however, there are new varieties of cucumber, so-called parthenocarpic cucumbers, with mainly female flowers. This is advantageous for greenhouse cultivation, as the plants are independent of pollination by insects. The flowering period of the cucumber extends from May to September, depending on the sowing time. A few days after pollination, a fruit begins to grow, but the harvest takes place 3 weeks later. 21
Cucumbers are 25-30 cm long. The core of the cucumber contains white seeds that ripen by autumn. Since the cucumber is an annual plant, it dies after the seeds ripen. However, the fruits are harvested before then, when the cucumber still has a thin skin and tender seeds. Seeds or cuttings are used to propagate the cucumber. 21
Cucumber plants can be grown creeping, climbing or vining on the ground. Flat-growing cucumbers constantly form new roots along the shoot when they are in contact with the ground. In greenhouses, salad cucumbers are guided up ropes, climbing frames or rods to save space. The cucumber plant prefers high temperatures and is sensitive to frost. For optimal growth conditions and a successful harvest, it is advisable to fertilize cucumber plants regularly, as this is a very demanding (nutrient-hungry) vegetable variety. 21
For more information on growing cucumbers and the characteristics of the different types of cucumbers, such as field cucumbers, pickling cucumbers and mini cucumbers, see the ingredient salad cucumber with peel .
Growing your own
cucumbers Growing cucumbers in your own garden is very easy. There are two options: direct sowing outdoors or pre-grown young plants. Pre-growing young plants on the windowsill has the advantage that the harvest of ripe cucumbers is several weeks shorter than with direct sowing. In both cases, you should wait for the late frost. After the Ice Saints in mid-May is the best time to sow outdoors. The cucumber is not self-tolerant, which is why you should consider a cultivation break of 4 years. 22
A sunny location with humus-rich, loose soil, good water retention and a pH value of 6 to 7 is ideal for growing cucumbers. Sandy loam soils with a high organic content are ideal, although the sand content should not be too high to avoid water shortages. Heavy, wet or compacted soils are unsuitable for cucumber growth and should be avoided. 22
Cucumbers also thrive in pots, with a climbing aid such as a metal or wooden rod that helps the plant climb up. This way, the plant can grow on the balcony without taking up too much space. Alternatively, you can tie cucumber plants to ropes to guide them upwards. 22
It is important to avoid mistakes when growing, such as choosing the wrong location with strong temperature fluctuations, poor soil conditions, incorrect water supply (too little) or a lack of fertilizer. This can weaken cucumber plants, making them more susceptible to pests and fungi, such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, gray mold, spider mites or aphids.
Further information
Cucumbers belong to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). Basically, a distinction is made between two groups of varieties: salad cucumbers and pickled cucumbers (cucumbers). The names of the cucumber varieties are not clear, however. In addition to groups and varieties, there are also types. In practice, they are classified according to how they can be grown (greenhouse or open field) and how they can be used (salad or pickled cucumbers). Size is also a decisive factor in what pickled cucumbers are used for, for example. The names can vary depending on the country, region and manufacturer.
Until 2009, the Cucumber Curvature Regulation regulated the shape of cucumbers sold in the EU. There were certain standards that specified the maximum curvature of cucumbers. The repeal of this regulation made it possible to offer cucumbers with different shapes. However, due to consumer habits, supermarkets still predominantly sell straight cucumbers. In addition, the straight shape makes logistical handling easier, as straight cucumbers are better suited to stacking in boxes.
Alternative names
The salad cucumber is also known as the snake cucumber. Synonyms such as Kukumer (Latin Cucumer), Guckummer, Gummer and garden cucumber are also common. Often the general term cucumber is used. In English it is called cucumber, and when peeled it is called peeled cucumber.
Other uses
Cucumbers can also be found in the cosmetics industry in products such as skin creams, face masks, lotions, eye pads, after-sun products, toners and facial cleansers. Their applications range from moisturizing and skin soothing to lightening. In addition, these cosmetic products promote skin elasticity and are used to treat skin problems such as sunburn and wrinkles. 4
Bibliography - 22 Sources
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| 3. | Munshi AD, Panda P, et al. Genetic variability in Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii R. (Alef.) germplasm. Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report. 2007;30:5-10. |
| 4. | Mukherjee PK, Nema NK, Maity N, Sarkar BK. Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. Fitoterapia. January 2013;84:227–236. |
| 5. | Uzuazokaro MMA, Okwesili FCN, Chioma AA. Phytochemical and proximate composition of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit from Nsukka, Nigeria. Afr J Biotechnol. 19. September 2018;17(38):1215–1219. |
| 7. | Zieniuk B, Pawełkowicz M. Recent Advances in the Application of Cucurbitacins as Anticancer Agents. Metabolites. 2023;13(10):1081. |
| 8. | Andersson HC, Gry J, Søborg I. Cucurbitacins in plant food. Nordic Council of Ministers; 2006. |
| 9. | Sharmin R, Khan M et al. Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Cucumber, White Pumpkin and Ridge Gourd in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats. Journal of Scientific Research. 2013;5(1):161–170. |
| 10. | Mallik J, Das P, Das S. Pharmacological Activity of Cucumis Sativus L. – A Complete Overview. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development. 2013;1(1):1–6. |
| 11. | Patil MV, Bhise S, Kandhare A. Pharmacological evaluation of ameliorative effect of aqueous extract of Cucumis sativus L. fruit formulation on wound healing in Wistar rats. Chron Young Sci. 2011;2(4):207. |
| 12. | Sharma S, Dwivedi J, Paliwal S. Evaluation of antacid and carminative properties of Cucumis sativus under simulated conditions. 2012. |
| 13. | Majeed M, Ahmad F, Mundkur L, Appian S. Pharmacology of α-spinasterol, a phytosterol with nutraceutical values: A review. Phytotherapy Research. 2022;36(10):3681–3690. |
| 14. | Oragwu I, Okolo A et al. Phytochemical and Proximate Composition of Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) Seed Oil. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation. 2021;08(2):244–250. |
| 15. | Ragweed-info at: Ambrosia artemisiifolia Medizinisch-allergologische Bedeutung. 2022. |
| 16. | Suojalehto H, Hölttä P, Lindström I, Suomela S. Prevalence of tomato and cucumber sensitization among greenhouse workers. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. 2022;10(2):640–642. |
| 17. | Raab M, Brunklaus B, Pöchträger S. Gegenüberstellung von importierten Biogurken aus Spanien und heimischen konventionellen Gurken in der Winterzeit anhand des CO2-Fussabdruckes. Jahrbuch der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Agrarökonomie, 2013;23:171-180. |
| 18. | Reinhardt G, Gärtner S, Wagner T. Ökologische Fussabdrücke von Lebensmitteln und Gerichten in Deutschland. Institut für Energie - und Umweltforschung Heidelberg. 2020. |
| 19. | Mekonnen MM, Hoekstra AY. The green, blue and grey water footprint of crops and derived crop products. Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. 2011; 15: 1577-1600. |
| 20. | Shrivastava C, Crenna E et al. To Wrap Or to Not Wrap Cucumbers? Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 2022;6:750199. |
| 21. | Plantura garden: Gurken: Herkunft, Steckbrief & Mehrjährigkeit. |
| 22. | Plantura garden: Gurken pflanzen: Standort, Aussaat & Pflege. |
| 23. | Niedersächsisches Landesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit. Pflanzenschutzmittelrückstände in Salatgurken. 2009. |
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