The tribes of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains learned from the Spaniards how to grow European vegetables. The best farmers on the Great Plain were the Mandans in what are now the Dakotas. When the Europeans came to Mandan villages the tribe were growing some dozen or more varieties of corn at least six kinds of beans and an amazing number of pumpkins, squashes and gourds. To these they quickly added cucumbers and watermelons obtained from the Spaniards. The cucumber is a gourd of the same family as pumpkin, zucchini and other squashes.
Cucumbers are very low in calories and are a good source of vitamin E and potassium.
Cucumbers may be treated with an edible wax to prevent moisture loss and enhance appearance. Avoid cucumbers that are shriveled, yellow in color or have soft spots. Keep cucumbers in refrigerator crisper for up to one week. Store cut or whole cucumbers in a plastic bag. Peel the cucumbers and slice wafer thin.