Here’s everything you need to know about the English Cucumber, like what are English Cucumbers? Are they the same as a hothouse cucumber? What’s the difference between English cucumbers vs Persian cucumbers? And why are they wrapped in plastic? Plus 15 Recipes with Cucumbers to help you add more cucumbers into your diet.

Three English cucumbers on a wood cutting board with a knife. A bowl of sliced cucumbers sits next to the cutting board.

There’s several different types of cucumbers and there’s many ways to use them. I’ve listed 15 cucumber recipes in this article to help you incorporate more cucumbers into your diet.

Green fruit sits on a wood cutting board with a knife.

What Are English Cucumbers

English cucumbers (also called hothouse, greenhouse, seedless, burpless and European cucumber) are long with dark green skins that have distinct ridges running lengthwise. They have tiny seeds so the flesh (and skin) don’t taste bitter like the garden cucumber does.

Cucumbers are a member of the cucurbitaceae family (gourd family), which includes zucchini, squash, melons and pumpkins. Botanically speaking, cucurbits are actually a type of fruit. Most cucurbits are herbaceous tendril-bearing vines that are commonly grown in warmer climates.

Choosing the Best 

When choosing the best to buy, always look for firm rich green cucumbers that are free of soft spots, cracks or withered and shriveled ends. 

Why Are They Wrapped in Plastic

Most store-bought cucumbers have a thin layer of wax coating on the skin, similar to apples, but English hothouse cucumbers are tightly sealed in plastic instead. The plastic wrapping helps to protect their delicate skins from becoming dehydrated and damaged during transit from field to store. 

How to Store Them

Store unwashed cucumbers in a plastic bag in the refrigerator where they should last up to a week.

Fruit and silver knife sitting on a wood cutting board.

There are many varieties of cucumbers. Cucumbers that you eat fresh are typically classified as slicing cucumbers and other cucumbers with their thick and bumpy skins are most often used for pickling. English cucumbers are usually a little more expensive than garden cucumbers, but with English cucumbers you get to enjoy the peel and tiny seeds and all the fiber and nutrients they provide.

English Cucumber vs Cucumber

The typical cucumbers found in the grocery stores are American cucumbers (also called slicing cucumber and garden cucumber). They have a thicker and darker green skin, with a softer texture and many large seeds that can give the flesh a slightly bitter taste. It’s best to peel these cucumbers and scrape away the seeds before consuming.

English Cucumber vs Persian Cucumber

Persian cucumbers are similar to English hothouse cucumbers in taste and texture, but they’re about half the size. They’re both crunchy, have thin skins, few seeds and mild flavor. Neither of them need to be peeled before consuming. 

English Cucumber vs Kirby Cucumber

Kirby cucumbers are shorter, with a thick bumpy skin. These cucumbers are most often used for pickling.

English Cucumber vs Japanese Cucumber

Japanese cucumbers are long and crispy with thin skins and few seeds, but English cucumbers have more flavor than other types of cucumbers.

Persian, America and English cucumbers on a cutting board with a brief description of each above the cucumbers.

Benefits of Cucumbers

Cucumbers are low in calories and high in fiber and they are made up of about 95% water. It’s best to consume the cucumber skin which is rich with fiber and vitamin K.

  • Promotes Hydration. Cucumber is made up of about 95% water, which helps keep the body hydrated. (1) (2)
  • Weight Management. Cucumbers are low in calories, carbs, and fat and high in fiber, so they make a great addition to any weight management plan. (3)
  • Digestion. Cucumber is rich with fiber which helps to promote a clean gut, a healthy digestive system and possible weight loss.  (4)
  • Detoxification. Cucumber seeds act as natural diuretic that help to pass urine and flush out excess waste and toxins. Drinking cucumber detox water is an easy way to take advantage of cucumber’s detoxification benefits.
  • Antioxidants. Good source of antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins which help block harmful free radicals which in turn may help reduce risk of chronic disease. (5)
  • Blood Sugar. Consumption of cucumbers may help regulate blood sugar levels. (6)

Three cucumbers and a silver knife sit on a wood cutting board

How to Add More Cucumbers to Your Diet (15 Recipes with Cucumbers)

Here are some recipes with cucumbers to help you incorporate more nutritious and hydrating cucumber into your daily wellness plan.

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