Cucumbers

July NH Harvest of the Month: cucumbers!

Cucumbers originated in India and have been cultivated for more than 3,000 years! From India, they were introduced to Greece, Italy and the Middle East. They made it to the West Indies and to North America by the 15th and 16th centuries.

The English word “cucumber” comes from the Latin name cucumis.

Cucumbers can be divided into two main types: slicer or fresh market and pickling. Slicer cucumbers are generally long and dark green with a smooth, thick skin. Pickling cucumbers are lighter green, short and blocky, with a warty/bumpy, tender skin. They are an ideal size and shape for pickling but can also be consumed fresh.

Yogurt is a staple in the daily diets of many Indians. It balances the heat and warmth of the Indian spices, and in the summer months, it helps deal with the heat. Cucumber Raita, made with yogurt, cucumber, herbs and spices is a common addition to everyday meals in most north-Indian homes.

In Iraq, Summag Salad is made with tomato, cucumber, onion, parsley, sumac, lemon and olive oil.

Acar Ketimun is an Indonesian cucumber pickle dish made by quick pickling sliced cucumbers with vinegar, shallots, sugar, salt and a bit of hot pepper.

This webpage includes a variety of educational materials, activities, recipes, and more about cucumbers for use at home, in youth or family programming, in the classroom, and in the cafeteria. For more New Hampshire Harvest of the Month resources for July, click here.

Lesson Plan for Cucumbers

Developed in partnership with UNH Extension, NH Farm to School, and the UNH Education department, the Harvest Lessons lesson plan and curricular activities can be used by education professionals to incorporate cucumbers into dynamic, long-lasting learning in the classroom and other education-based settings.

Lesson Plan Supplements
Click to download the lesson plan supplements to support learning through the activities in the lesson plan.
India