Cucumber and pickle are two foods that have a lot in common. A pickle is a cucumber that has been harvested before it has reached full maturity and marinated in vinegar before being used as a condiment. There is, however, a "genuine" pickle: the gherkin, which is a cucumber variation with a natural size of only a few millimeters. The cucumber should be firm, with a bright green skin that is matte (it will only be glossy if it is coated with edible wax) and a smooth texture (with the exception of the pickle). It is tastier when it is smaller (25 cm to 30 cm). Cucumber is best eaten fresh, with the skin on, to reap the maximum health advantages. A cucumber serving contains roughly 180g of cucumber. Cucumber and pickle are two foods that have a lot in common. A pickle is a cucumber that has been harvested before it has reached full maturity and marinated in vinegar before being used as a condiment. There is, however, a "genuine" pickle: the gherkin, which is a cucumber variation with a natural size of only a few millimeters. The cucumbers in the United States are short and stocky, but the cucumbers in Europe are long and thin. While cucumbers cultivated in a greenhouse are rarely bitter, those grown in the open field can be, depending on variety and environmental circumstances. In this scenario, peeling them and removing the more pointed end (the one to which the stem is generally connected) is preferable since the bitterness is concentrated under the skin and at this end. You may alternatively cut them into slices and dump them in a strainer with coarse salt for an hour. Alternatively, cut them in half, remove the seeds, and season with salt. Rinse well and pat dry with a clean towel. Conservation at its best One or two weeks in the refrigerator, in the vegetable drawer. Protect it with cling film once it's started. Cucumbers should not be kept near fruits (especially apples), since the release of ethylene contributes to the bitterness of the latter. Before placing it in the freezer, be sure it's cooked.