12 Types of Tasty Cucumbers

Cucumbers are versatile vegetables that can be eaten raw, cooked, pickled, or juiced. They come in various shapes and sizes and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Native to Southeast Asia, cucumbers are now widely consumed around the world in diverse dishes due to their refreshing taste and numerous health benefits. Read on to see our favorite varieties and how they are best used.

What is a Cucumber?

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a type of gourd that produces cylindrical, green fruits from a vine. For consumption, cucumbers are divided into two groups: slicing and pickling. Slicing cucumbers can be eaten fresh, while pickling cucumbers must be soaked in water and seasoning brine to make pickles. Seedless cucumbers are usually sweeter than cucumbers with seeds.

Cucumber plants come in different varieties based on the way they grow. Vining cucumbers need to be supported on a trellis to keep them from getting out of control, whereas bush cucumbers are compact and thus suitable for containers. Some varieties are more resistant to common diseases, making them good options for new vegetable gardeners.

12 Types of Cucumbers

There are nearly 100 different types of cucumbers. You can find them in supermarkets and farmer’s markets across the world. If you are planning to grow your own or would like to taste a new variety, here are a few of our favorites. 

1. English

English cucumbers are a great all-around choice for recipes that call for cucumber. They are lengthy and thick, with a sweet taste that makes them perfect for salads. You can find English cucumbers at grocery stores year-round because producers typically grow this variety in greenhouses. This ensures they have a consistent supply of seedless, slicer cucumbers throughout the year, no matter the season or weather conditions outside. English cucumbers also don’t need to be peeled before use as their thin skin is edible and adds an extra crunch to dishes.

2. Kirby

Kirby cucumbers are blunt and stout, usually growing to about 4 inches in length. Their skin is bumpy, making them easily distinguishable from other types of cucumbers. Kirby cucumbers have a crisp texture when eaten raw, which makes them popular for pickling recipes as well as salads. They also contain higher amounts of fiber than some other common varieties, such as English or Persian cucumbers. If you’re looking for a unique flavor profile with plenty of crunch and nutritional benefits, the Kirby cucumber should be your go-to choice!

3. Muncher

Muncher cucumbers are a seedless cultivar and prefer full sun to grow optimally. The cucumber itself has smooth, glossy skin with dark green coloration. When fully mature, Muncher cucumbers typically reach seven inches in length. These varieties of cucumber have become increasingly popular among gardeners due to their ease of growing and lack of seeds. Additionally, they do not contain any bitterness as some other types of cucumber and provide a great crunch.

4. Persian

Persian cucumbers are a popular type of cucumber due to their mild flavor and delicate skin that peels away easily. They have edible seeds, so they require no extra preparation. This type of cucumber is less watery than Japanese cucumbers and is good for recipes that you need to keep in the refrigerator without getting soggy. Persian cucumbers make excellent pickles since their mild flavor holds pickling spices well.

5. Armenian

Armenian cucumbers are a type of cucumber that grows in an inward curved shape, resembling a half moon. They have a milder flavor than many other types of cucumbers and are generally light green or yellow when harvested. This variety of cucumber is popular for use in salads and dips due to its unique texture. In particular, Armenian cucumbers are often an ingredient in yogurt-based dips such as tzatziki or labneh. The mildness of the Armenian cucumber pairs well with creamy ingredients like mayonnaise or sour cream, making it ideal for creating flavorful condiments!

6. Bush Champion

The Bush Champion cucumber grows on low, compact bushes. The fruits themselves are long and slender with bright green skin. Each fruit can grow up to 12 inches in length. Bush Champion cucumbers have an incredibly delicate flavor, making them perfect for adding crunch and flavor to salads or sandwiches. They’re also great for pickling! If you want to start growing your own backyard garden, the Bush Champion is an excellent choice since it produces fruits so quickly – within two months of planting the seeds!

7. Japanese

Japanese cucumbers (kyuri in Japan) are cylindrical and slender with thin, deep green skin. They usually measure 6-8 inches in length and their small, uniform seeds characterize them. This variety is the most popular type of cucumber in Japan because of its mild flavor that has a faint resemblance to melon. Most chefs marinate this cucumber in rice vinegar for several hours or overnight before serving it as an appetizer or side dish, either sliced thinly or chopped into cubes. The sweet and sour taste provided by the marinade creates a unique savory snack that goes well with beer and other alcoholic beverages.

8. Lemon

Lemon cucumbers are a type of heirloom cucumber that maintain their bright yellow outer skin from the time you pick them until you decide to eat them. These small, round cucumbers have sizes comparable to a tennis ball and make for an excellent snack on their own or paired with other dishes. Farmer’s markets usually have them, but failing that, you can grow them at home if you have the necessary space. Lemon cucumbers offer a refreshing flavor when eaten raw, as well as crunchiness that many people enjoy.

9. National Pickling

National Pickling cucumbers are a wonderful choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance vegetables to grow in their backyard. They offer resistance to cucumber mosaic virus, making them an ideal option for those who want a hassle-free vegetable crop. These short, dense fruits have a crunchy texture that is perfect for salads or pickles, whether you’re eating them fresh or preserving them. National Pickling cucumbers grow from seed and require little maintenance once established. They have dark green skin and black spines, making them a very pretty pickle.

10. Spacemaster

Spacemaster cucumbers are an ideal choice for small backyard gardens, thanks to their compact growing habit. They are also highly resistant to the destructive cucumber mosaic virus. Spacemaster cucumbers typically grow about eight inches long and have dark green bumpy skin with lighter stripes. When harvested early, they can be eaten raw or used in salads. However, when fully mature, they become too bitter to eat fresh and should instead be pickled or cooked into other dishes. These tasty cucumbers will provide plenty of fresh produce throughout the summer months if given proper care and attention!

11. Burpless

Burpless cucumbers are a great choice for those looking to avoid the bitterness of other varieties. They are seedless, with thin skin and low levels of cucurbitacin, which gives fruit and vegetables their bitter taste. As a result, Burpless cucumbers have a pleasantly sweet flavor that makes them an ideal fresh snack when you’re on the go. Additionally, these cucumbers are good in salads as well as cooked dishes, such as soups or curries, where their sweetness will add another layer of flavor to your meal.

12. Crystal Apple White Spine

Crystal Apple White Spine cucumbers are a unique type of cucumber that has a faded, white color and a round shape. They have thin exterior skins, making them softer than almost all other cucumbers. They have sweet and juicy flesh. These cucumbers were developed for warmer climates and can have high yield potential when consistently watered. Home gardeners can reap the rewards from growing this variety by harvesting plentiful amounts of crisp, delicious fruit!

Are Cucumbers Healthy?

Drinking fluids is a great way to stay hydrated, but adding cucumbers to your diet is another way to supplement your water intake, as they are over 90 percent water! Cucumbers contain flavonoids, which are plant compounds with antioxidant properties that help protect you from certain diseases.

Eating cucumbers also provides your body with vitamins K and C, as well as magnesium and potassium, all of which are important for immune health and muscle function. Eating cucumbers raw, with the peel still on, gives you even more nutrients, such as fiber and minerals.

Summary of 12 Types of Tasty Cucumbers

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