Cucumbers

Cucumbers are believed to have originated in India, where they’ve been cultivated since at least 1500 BCE. They spread to the Middle East, Greece, and Rome, where they were favored for their cooling properties and digestive benefits.

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The Romans brought cucumbers to Europe, and from there, they made their way to the Americas with early explorers. Christopher Columbus is credited with introducing cucumbers to the New World in the late 1400s.

Today, cucumbers are grown globally, with major producers including China, Turkey, Iran, Russia, Mexico, and the United States.

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Key benefits

• Very hydrating due to high water content

• Low in calories, ideal for weight management

• Contains silica, which supports skin health

• May help lower blood sugar and support digestion

 

Fun Facts

• Technically a fruit: Like peppers and tomatoes, cucumbers develop from a flower and contain seeds, making them botanically a fruit.

• Cooling reputation: The phrase "cool as a cucumber" comes from the vegetable’s ability to stay cooler than ambient temperature thanks to its water content.

• Skin care superstar: Cucumber slices are often used to reduce eye puffiness—thanks to anti-inflammatory compounds like cucurbitacins and antioxidants.

• Pickling power: Pickles are simply cucumbers preserved in brine or vinegar—pickling dates back over 4,000 years.

• Fast grower: Cucumbers are among the fastest-growing vegetables, often ready to harvest within 50–70 days from planting.