A cucumber (cucumis sativus) is a fruit of the gourd family, high in water content and with a very mild flavour.[1] It is commonly eaten in salad, and, amongst the British upper classes, in cucumber sandwiches. The cucumber has an elongated tubular shape, tapering towards the ends, with a dark green skin and pale flesh. Being a fruit, it contains its seeds within it.
Dr Johnson's cucumber recipe
The eighteenth century author Dr Johnson recommended that "a cucumber should be well sliced, and dressed with pepper and vinegar, and then thrown out, as good fro nothing."[2]
The cucumber and Euro-sceptics
Persons opposed to the European Union claim that the EU has attempted to outlaw curved cucumbers. This is not true.[3]