cucumber

cucumber

Cucumber is a fruit of Cucumis sativus, a species of gourd whose many varieties are descended from a plant native to Asia and Africa. Cucumber is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Violales, family Curcurbitaceae.

Cucumber is a creeping plant.

Cucumber is believed native to India, and evidence indicates that cucumber has been cultivated in western Asia for 3,000 years. From India cucumber spread to Greece and Italy, where the Romans were especially fond of the crop, and later into China. Cucumber was probably introduced into other parts of Europe by the Romans, and records of cucumber cultivation appear in France in the 9th century, England in the 14th century, and in North America by the mid-16th century.

Cucumbers, although, are produced at various times of the year in many States, and imported during the colder months, the supply of cucumbers is most plentiful in the summer months.

Cucumbers must be of good green color that are firm over their entire length. Cucumbers should be well developed, but not too large in diameter.

Cucumbers should be avoided if overgrown. Such cucumbers are large in diameter and have a dull color, turning yellowish. Also avoid cucumbers with withered or shriveled ends - signs of toughness and bitter flavor.