Cucumber
varieties have a range of different textures, sizes, and flavors. Learn about the best cucumbers for fresh eating and cooking: Armenian: Also known as snake cucumbers, Armenian cucumbers curve inward at the ends, forming a C-like shape. These cucumbers are lighter in color, typically light green or yellow, when picked. Armenian cucumbers are a popular addition to yogurt-based dips and spreads.
Burpless: The Burpless variety is seedless with thin skin. These cucumbers have low levels of cucurbitacin, a biochemical that gives fruit and vegetables their bitter taste. Thus, Burpless cucumbers have a slightly sweet flavor, making them a perfect fresh snack.
Bush Champion: The Bush Champion cucumber produces long, green fruits, about one foot in length. Grow Bush varieties in your backyard, and in two months, you'll have fresh cucumbers to serve and enjoy.
Crystal Apple White Spine: Crystal Apple White Spine cucumbers are pale white and round with thin outer skins and a softer texture than most other cucumbers. With consistent watering, these cucumber plants can produce high yields for home gardeners in warmer climates.
English: English cucumbers are long and thick, and you can find them at grocery stores year-round. Producers typically grow this variety in a greenhouse. These seedless, slicer cucumbers have a sweet taste, making them a great addition to salads and spreads.
Japanese: Japanese cucumbers, known as “kyuri” in Japan, are long and slender with thin, dark green skin and small undeveloped seeds. Chefs often marinate this variety, which has a mild, melon-like flavor, in rice vinegar to serve as a savory snack.
Kirby: Kirby cucumbers are short and thick with bumpy skin. These cucumbers have a crisp texture compared to other types and are common in pickling recipes.
Lemon: Lemon cucumbers are round and about the size of a tennis ball. These cucumbers have a bright yellow outer skin, similar to their namesake fruit. These heirloom cucumbers are a great snack for one or two people.
Muncher: Muncher cucumbers are open-pollinated, seedless cultivars that prefer full sun. This seedless cucumber has a smooth, shiny outer skin and are seven inches long and three inches wide at maturity.
National Pickling: National Pickling cucumbers are resistant to scab and cucumber mosaic virus, making them a low-maintenance veggie to grow in your backyard. This short, thick fruit with a crunchy texture is perfect for salads and pickles.
Persian: Persian cucumbers have thin, easy-to-peel skin and contain edible cucumber seeds. They have a crispy, mild flavor and are less watery than Japanese cucumbers.
Spacemaster: Spacemaster cucumbers are ideal for growing in small backyard gardens, as they have a compact growing habit. This cucumber plant is also resistant to the cucumber mosaic virus and typically grows about eight inches in length.