What Is An English Cucumber?

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’s as many ways to appreciate a cucumber as there are cucumber varieties to try.

But everyone does seem to have a type of cucumber they most often veer toward in their grocery shopping and recipes, and for many, that is the English cucumber.

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, and 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.

Appearance And Taste Of English Cucumbers

If you are a fan of English cucumbers, there’s certain telltale characteristics to look out for when out 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

You won’t have to struggle to find English cucumbers. They 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

You’ll want to treat all of your produce in a way that it 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 3-5 days. Unwashed or cut, cucumbers will last up to two weeks,” says Hester.

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, you’re going to want to pick them at their height of ripeness because after they are picked, they are done ripening. Try to 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 these 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.

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 Swarzendruber, Executive Chef at Soby's New South Cuisine in Greenville, South Carolina.

How To Store English Cucumbers

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. Keep them in your crisper drawer in your refrigerator and they can last a week, at least.

How Are English Cucumbers Different 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.