Do you know where the expression “cool as a cucumber comes from? It’s because cucumbers are typically 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the temperature around them. Try inserting a thermometer into one if you need a little proof. Not only do cucumbers have a cool temperature, but cucumbers are also the key ingredient to some of the summer’s best cool down recipes. There was a time when we only knew two main types of cucumbers – slicing and pickling. But things have changed and there is now a large variety of cucumber types available to gardeners and shoppers. They include Armenian, Diva, English Telegraph, Burpless, Persian, Lemon, Parisian Gherkins, Dasher, Sweet Success and Calypso varieties.
As fun as cucumbers are to grow, it’s their taste that keeps us planting them. Spring after spring, we continue to place them in the soil in anticipation of the delicious tastes they will bring to our tables. As far as recipes go, we have lots of old favorites but are always willing to try something new. We’ll share some of our favorites that you can try with you soon to be ripe crop.
Cucumber and Charred Onion Salad
Ingredients
1 Fresno chile, thinly sliced into rings, seeded if desired
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar, divided
2 medium red onions, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more for serving
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 medium English cucumber, sliced into rounds
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Prepare grill for medium-high heat. Combine chile and 2 Tbsp. vinegar in a small bowl; set aside.
Place onions on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with 2 Tbsp. oil; season with salt and pepper. Turn to coat. Grill onions directly on grate until lightly charred and softened, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with remaining 2 Tbsp. vinegar; let cool.
Coarsely chop ½ cup grilled onion and return to bowl. Add chile and soaking liquid, cucumber, dried oregano, and 2 Tbsp. oil and toss to combine; season with salt and pepper. Serve drizzled with more oil.
Quick Aleppo Dill Pickles
Ingredients
8 Persian cucumbers, quartered lengthwise
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill
2 1/2 cups distilled white vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1 tablespoon Aleppo pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Za’atar and flaky sea salt (for serving) – Za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend that includes sumac, herbs, and sesame seeds, can be found at Middle Eastern markets, specialty foods stores, and online.
Pack cucumber and dill into a large heatproof jar. Bring vinegar, sugar, garlic, Aleppo pepper, lemon juice, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Let cool slightly, then pour brine over cucumbers to submerge. Seal jar and chill at least 30 minutes.
To serve, remove cucumber spears from brine, lightly shaking off excess liquid but leaving on any seasonings; sprinkle with za’atar and sea salt.
Do Ahead: Cucumber can be made 2 days ahead. Remove from brine (do not dry) and chill in an airtight container.
Southern Cucumber and Onion Salad
Ingredients
5 cups sliced cucumbers (English, Persian or your favorite)
Medium-sized Vidalia onion
1 cup white vinegar
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon celery seed
In a medium saucepan, bring the salt, vinegar, sugar, celery seed and vegetable oil to a boil, then remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool.
In a large bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers, onions and peppers with the liquid mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Serve cold.
If you’d like, add some salt and pepper and dill and toss just before serving.
Before slicing the cucumbers, score the skins vertically with a fork, but do not peel them. Try Kirby or Persian cucumbers. They are smaller than regular cucumbers, and are very crunchy and mild in flavor. Perfect for salads!
Now, get out there and pick some cucumbers and try one of our favorite recipes, or make your favorite.