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Of all themany types of cucumbers , English Cucumis sativus have earn a recurring stain on our foodstuff list . Also have intercourse as seedless , burpless , or hothouse Cucumis sativus , English cucumbers are clear-cut from definitive pickling or slicing cucumber vine in a few way . They ’re tenacious and narrow — sometimes even twice as long as the middling slice cucumber — with a thin , edible peel .
If you on a regular basis purchase English cucumbers at the grocery storage , you ’ve probably notice that , unlike those other varieties of cucumber , they usually come wrapped in charge plate . Ever question why ? Here , we ’re solving that mystery and breaking down everything else you demand to know about English cucumbers .
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What Are English Cucumbers?
English cucumbers look a little dissimilar than the classicslicing cucumbersyou grow in your garden or purchase every summertime at thefarmers market . For one , they ’re much longer and flimsy , with dark , ridge skin and a modest , sweet taste . And though they go by the name “ seedless cucumbers , ” English Cucumis sativus do have germ , but typically fewer ; the seeds are also modest and dependable to eat up .
“ English cucumber vine were specifically bred to reduce some of the more undesirable characteristic of garden cucumber vine such as fatheaded skins , big seeds , and a bitter gustation , ” says Sarah Brekke , M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen brand director . “ Their milder flavor , thin skins , and nearly seedless flesh make English cucumber idealistic for salads and snack . ”
Why Are English Cucumbers Wrapped in Plastic?
Thin , touchy skin is a trademark of English cucumbers , and it ’s also the ground why they come twine in charge card . That spare layer of aegis helps insure the cucumbers stay crisp and snappy long after you get them home from the store .
“ Due to the fragile pelt on an English Cucumis sativus , the veg is more prone to moisture personnel casualty and bruising , ” Brekke enounce . “ The plastic wrapping help to retain wet and protect the veg until it is ready to be consumed . ”
How to Store English Cucumbers
Like other types of cucumbers , English Cucumis sativus should bestored in the refrigeratorunless you plan to use them immediately . English cucumber come envelop in plastic for a reason , so Brekke urge hold open them in their original plastic swathe until you ’re ready to use them — specially if you ’re just cutting off a few slices .
“ If you destine to only use a dowery of the cuke at a time , peel back the plastic wrapper until the hope amount of Cucumis sativus is exposed , ” Brekke enjoin . “ prune off that portion of the veggie and pull the plastic wrapping back up and over the stay veggie to protect it until the next use . ”
How to Cook With English Cucumbers
English Cucumis sativus have a modest , cherubic taste , and they can easily be subbed in for slice cucumbers in any of your favoritecucumber recipes . Brekke recommends thinly slit them to apply in salads , sandwiches , or side dishes , such as our spicySmashed Cucumber Salad , Cucumber , Olive , and Dill Salad , orTofu Spring Rolls . Because English cucumbers have thinner skin , making them easy to slice , and fewer ejaculate , they ’re ideal for using in sandwiches like ourCucumber Tea Sandwiches .
