The cucumber is long, cylindrical, green-skinned and is a member of the gourd family. Inside, crisp white flesh surrounds the seeded core. Cucumbers are usually eaten raw. Cucumbers are very low in calories. A cup of sliced cucumber contains 14 calories and is a source of Vitamin C.

Cucumbers are harvested at a range of developmental stages. Depending on cultivar and temperature, the time from flowering to harvest may be 55 to 60 days.