As a cucumber matures, the seeds grow bitter, therefore the seeds of an older cucumber should be removed before it is used. Young immature slicing cucumbers are also suitable for pickling. Gourmet cucumbers, sometimes called burpless or seedless are longer and thinner than regular cucumbers. Shrink-wrapped to seal in moisture, these are not waxed. Approximately one-half of all fresh cucumbers marketed in the nation come from within our state.
Cucumbers are available year-round in the supermarket.
Locally cucumbers are grown from October through June, with May being the peak of the growing season in Florida. Cucumbers are very low in calories, fat, sodium and cholesterol free. A half-cup of cucumber slices yields a mere 6.7 calories. Avoid those with shriveled or soft spots. Over-mature cucumbers may be tough and somewhat bitter.