They belong to the same family as pumpkin, other squashes, and watermelon. Cucumbers were first cultivated in Asia in ancient times. After being brought over to America by Columbus, the cucumber was grown by native Americans and colonists from Florida to Canada. Squash are a diverse group with widely different sizes, shapes, colors, and flavors depending on the type you buy.
Summer squash are tender and mild, especially when small.
Inch-long cucumbers are sold as gherkins. Some greenhouse varieties reach 20 inches or longer. The varieties that are most commonly grown in New York are for slicing. These squash look a bit like flying saucers with a scalloped edge. They have a buttery taste and are best when 4 inches or less in diameter.