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English cucumbers are used interchangeably with "regular" cucumbers. Their flavor is essentially the same, and so is the texture. The English cuke, however, is much longer and much thinner. It is generally sold wrapped in plastic to reduce water loss, and is not waxed so it doesn't need peeling.
It is often called seedless, but its seeds are much smaller and less prominent. It is the seeds in a cucumber that make it bitter, so a semi-seedless English cucumber is less likely to be bitter. It has been bred to be more easily digested than some other varieties, and sometimes has the nickname "burpless" cucumber.
Choose firm, dark green cucumbers that are slender and well shaped. Refrigerate whole or cut cucumbers for up to one week. Because cucumbers are 96% water, these vegetables are great for dieters. One large English Cucumber is just 45 calories. They're a tasty addition sliced or shredded into salads, or dressed with a light vinaigrette or sour cream.
The internal temperature of a cucumber can be as much as 20 degrees cooler than room temperature, so eating a cuke truly is a cooling and refreshing experience. And that’s where that saying, “cool as a cucumber” comes from.
Published 04/04/07
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