Season: May to October

Description: Cucumbers provide potassium, vitamin K, magnesium and fiber. Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure, vitamin K and magnesium help build and maintain strong bones, and fiber helps control cholesterol and keeps bowel movements regular. Most of the nutrients in a cucumber are found in the skin.

Vitamins: Vitamin K, Potassium, Magnesium, Fiber

Selection: Choose firm, green and slender cucumbers. Avoid cucumbers that have soft spots or wrinkled skin.

Storing: Unwashed cucumbers in a moisture-proof bag in the refrigerator up to 1 week.

Preparation: Rinse cucumbers in cool running water. Wipe off any visible dirt. You may wish to remove the seeds of older cucumbers by slicing lengthwise and scooping seeds out with a spoon.

Serving: Add sliced cucumbers to salads or sandwiches. Chop or grate and season with yogurt and vinegar or lemon, dill or tarragon. Keeping cucumber skins on in your recipes will boost the nutrient value of your meal. Most of the nutrients in a cucumber are found in the skin.

Recipes containing Cucumbers: