Cucumber

What is Cucumber?

The cucumber is a type of vegetable that belongs to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. It is a vine plant that originated in South Asia but is now grown in many parts of the world. The fruit of the cucumber plant is long and cylindrical with a smooth, dark green skin that encloses the juicy and crunchy flesh. Cucumbers are commonly consumed as raw vegetables and are used in salads, sandwiches, and dips. They are also pickled, which is a popular way to preserve them for longer periods.

Cucumbers are low in calories, making them an excellent addition to any healthy diet. They are high in water content, which helps keep the body hydrated and supports the digestive system. They are also a good source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health, and vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. Additionally, cucumbers contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Cucumbers are easy to grow and are a popular plant for home gardens. They thrive in warm weather and require ample water to produce large, juicy fruits. There are many varieties of cucumbers available, including slicing cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, and English cucumbers. Slicing cucumbers are the most common type and are typically eaten raw or used in salads while pickling cucumbers are smaller and firmer and are used for pickling. English cucumbers are longer and thinner and have a milder flavor than slicing cucumbers, making them ideal for sandwiches and dips.

In addition to their culinary uses, cucumbers are also used in cosmetics and skin care products due to their cooling and hydrating properties. Cucumber slices are often placed on the eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles, and cucumber extract is a common ingredient in moisturizers, toners, and facial masks. Overall, cucumbers are a versatile and healthy vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from salads and sandwiches to pickles and skincare products.

What is Gherkin?

Gherkin is a small variety of cucumber that is often used for pickling. Unlike other types of cucumbers, gherkins are picked when they are very small and immature, typically only a few centimeters long. This gives them a crisp texture and a slightly tart, tangy flavor that is ideal for pickling. Gherkins are often used to make dill pickles, sweet pickles, and other types of pickled vegetables. They can also be eaten fresh, either sliced or whole, and used in salads and sandwiches. Gherkins are a popular ingredient in many European and Middle Eastern cuisines, as well as in the United States, where they are often used in relishes and condiments.

Cucumber & Gherkin Production in the World.

The global production of Cucumber and gherkins plays a significant role in agriculture and trade. As of 2023, China is the top producer, contributing 80,168,207 tonnes, which accounts for 81.96% of the total global production. Turkiye ranks second, producing 1,871,712 tonnes, representing 1.91% of the world's output. Other significant producers include Russia, Mexico, and Uzbekistan, with production levels of 1,680,480, 1,036,717, and 961,751 tonnes, respectively. Nauru has the lowest production among the listed countries, contributing just 1 tonnes in 2023. In total, global production of Cucumber and gherkins reached approximately 97,815,881 tonnes in 2023.


Top 10 Countries by Cucumber & Gherkin Production in 2023


Countries Ranked by Cucumber & Gherkin Production in 2023

Source:FAOSTAT
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025
RankCountryProduction (Tonnes)Acreage (Hectare)Yield
1
China Flag
China
80,168,2071,324,70660,518
2
Turkiye Flag
Turkiye
1,871,71235,27853,056
3
Russia Flag
Russia
1,680,48036,30846,284
4
Mexico Flag
Mexico
1,036,71719,17954,054
5
Uzbekistan Flag
Uzbekistan
961,75130,02932,027
6
Ukraine Flag
Ukraine
874,34047,20018,524
7
Spain Flag
Spain
722,1508,30087,006
8
United States Flag
United States
646,64133,14419,510
9
Egypt Flag
Egypt
626,80226,75323,430
10
Kazakhstan Flag
Kazakhstan
547,63221,92824,974
11
Japan Flag
Japan
534,8039,66855,318
12
Poland Flag
Poland
447,9006,50068,908
13
Iran Flag
Iran
438,07815,93327,496
14
Netherlands Flag
Netherlands
426,070670635,925
15
Indonesia Flag
Indonesia
416,72840,66610,248
16
South Korea Flag
South Korea
285,2653,86373,849
17
Germany Flag
Germany
267,1402,300116,148
18
Cameroon Flag
Cameroon
264,437279,425946
19
Tajikistan Flag
Tajikistan
262,7677,82333,590
20
Sudan Flag
Sudan
229,50919,83011,574
21
Belarus Flag
Belarus
226,7535,58940,573
22
Azerbaijan Flag
Azerbaijan
219,7779,64522,788
23
Algeria Flag
Algeria
199,3084,32446,095
24
Saudi Arabia Flag
Saudi Arabia
196,2542,31484,802
25
India Flag
India
183,10228,5756,408
26
Bangladesh Flag
Bangladesh
180,61217,65010,233
27
France Flag
France
179,9401,710105,228
28
Thailand Flag
Thailand
176,86619,3609,136
29
Jordan Flag
Jordan
167,3362,49367,122
30
Syria Flag
Syria
153,62410,27214,956
31
Kyrgyzstan Flag
Kyrgyzstan
130,4336,33120,602
32
Albania Flag
Albania
128,8452,72547,289
33
Palestine Flag
Palestine
125,3382,43851,418
34
Lebanon Flag
Lebanon
124,4523,87832,095
35
Mali Flag
Mali
121,2427,34716,502
36
Pakistan Flag
Pakistan
120,6622,89541,679
37
Greece Flag
Greece
115,7101,85062,546
38
Oman Flag
Oman
103,200199519,638
39
United Arab Emirates Flag
United Arab Emirates
102,144707144,433
40
Australia Flag
Australia
93,4692,49537,457
41
Malaysia Flag
Malaysia
91,2474,90518,604
42
Israel Flag
Israel
88,8631,00688,365
43
Romania Flag
Romania
88,6104,85018,270
44
Morocco Flag
Morocco
84,3081,81746,404
45
Cuba Flag
Cuba
78,5686,07812,927
46
Tunisia Flag
Tunisia
71,1993,21322,161
47
Armenia Flag
Armenia
69,3511,69840,843
48
North Korea Flag
North Korea
67,3236,50210,355
49
Iraq Flag
Iraq
66,4726,37410,429
50
Italy Flag
Italy
66,3302,09031,737
51
Canada Flag
Canada
59,2132,34425,262
52
Finland Flag
Finland
58,060240241,917
53
Peru Flag
Peru
53,5382,88618,552
54
Bulgaria Flag
Bulgaria
52,51084062,512
55
Sri Lanka Flag
Sri Lanka
51,5193,45514,911
56
Kuwait Flag
Kuwait
47,948381126,011
57
Taiwan Flag
Taiwan
47,4291,83325,878
58
United Kingdom Flag
United Kingdom
46,47993500,000
59
Austria Flag
Austria
43,430340127,735
60
Honduras Flag
Honduras
40,74369958,253
61
Sweden Flag
Sweden
39,930210190,143
62
Belgium Flag
Belgium
39,73090441,444
63
Chile Flag
Chile
37,2531,65622,496
64
Colombia Flag
Colombia
36,1472,26315,973
65
Zimbabwe Flag
Zimbabwe
35,0001,90518,375
66
Turkmenistan Flag
Turkmenistan
34,8811,46423,820
67
North Macedonia Flag
North Macedonia
31,6571,06229,809
68
Hungary Flag
Hungary
30,21045067,133
69
Serbia Flag
Serbia
29,6753,0389,768
70
South Africa Flag
South Africa
28,9611,61617,926
71
Czech Republic Flag
Czech Republic
25,90030086,333
72
Georgia Flag
Georgia
25,3001,30019,462
73
Lithuania Flag
Lithuania
24,34090027,044
74
Cote d'Ivoire Flag
Cote d'Ivoire
20,6294,2424,863
75
Norway Flag
Norway
19,80396206,281
76
Jamaica Flag
Jamaica
19,1401,17416,303
77
Moldova Flag
Moldova
19,0033,5005,429
78
Dominican Republic Flag
Dominican Republic
18,88283522,623
79
Malawi Flag
Malawi
16,21864924,988
80
Switzerland Flag
Switzerland
15,741110143,100
81
Qatar Flag
Qatar
15,65522569,578
82
Denmark Flag
Denmark
15,61050312,200
83
Venezuela Flag
Venezuela
15,5821,08614,353
84
Philippines Flag
Philippines
14,7422,0727,116
85
Yemen Flag
Yemen
13,83293114,858
86
Bosnia and Herzegovina Flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
12,15764918,732
87
El Salvador Flag
El Salvador
12,04439630,426
88
Portugal Flag
Portugal
11,74020058,700
89
Kenya Flag
Kenya
10,7741,1669,238
90
Mongolia Flag
Mongolia
8,49973711,538
91
Cyprus Flag
Cyprus
8,40021040,000
92
Mauritius Flag
Mauritius
7,42338219,432
93
Croatia Flag
Croatia
7,36012061,333
94
Vanuatu Flag
Vanuatu
7,16030023,867
95
Libya Flag
Libya
6,82835319,332
96
Panama Flag
Panama
6,02459410,150
97
Latvia Flag
Latvia
5,93020296,500
98
Estonia Flag
Estonia
5,7306095,500
99
Bolivia Flag
Bolivia
4,9055918,304
100
Ecuador Flag
Ecuador
4,7965878,172
101
Guyana Flag
Guyana
3,5403699,063
102
Slovakia Flag
Slovakia
3,33020166,500
103
Comoros Flag
Comoros
2,34919512,017
104
Slovenia Flag
Slovenia
2,34010023,400
105
Dominica Flag
Dominica
2,2143456,424
106
Iceland Flag
Iceland
2,0964524,000
107
Hong Kong Flag
Hong Kong
1,9689420,991
108
Ireland Flag
Ireland
1,79010179,000
109
Ethiopia Flag
Ethiopia
1,7167722,213
110
Costa Rica Flag
Costa Rica
1,6651849,054
111
Puerto Rico Flag
Puerto Rico
1,65412313,457
112
Bahrain Flag
Bahrain
1,65016103,125
113
Niger Flag
Niger
1,50512312,286
114
Brunei Darussalam Flag
Brunei Darussalam
1,37513210,412
115
Fiji Flag
Fiji
1,2939014,384
116
Timor-Leste Flag
Timor-Leste
1,1151358,247
117
Barbados Flag
Barbados
1,0774424,601
118
Bhutan Flag
Bhutan
1,0371447,207
119
St. Lucia Flag
St. Lucia
1,0133826,658
120
Cabo Verde Flag
Cabo Verde
7562926,247
121
Malta Flag
Malta
740--
122
French Polynesia Flag
French Polynesia
6826810,053
123
Suriname Flag
Suriname
6432724,021
124
Madagascar Flag
Madagascar
6271524,113
125
New Zealand Flag
New Zealand
6192524,779
126
Belize Flag
Belize
4673214,594
127
Grenada Flag
Grenada
447469,638
128
Trinidad and Tobago Flag
Trinidad and Tobago
4211942,170
129
Democratic Republic of the Congo Flag
Democratic Republic of the Congo
385944,095
130
Antigua and Barbuda Flag
Antigua and Barbuda
146197,562
131
Ghana Flag
Ghana
1321013,825
132
St. Kitts and Nevis Flag
St. Kitts and Nevis
1011010,021
133
Luxembourg Flag
Luxembourg
30--
134
Gabon Flag
Gabon
23181,258
135
Djibouti Flag
Djibouti
718,896
136
Nauru Flag
Nauru
1-10,465

Cultivation of Cucumber

Cucumbers are a favored vegetable that can be effortlessly cultivated in a backyard garden or even in a container. The following are some general steps for growing cucumbers:

  1. Soil preparation: Cucumbers thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter and tilling it to a depth of 6-8 inches.
  2. Planting: Cucumber seeds can be planted directly in the soil once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Alternatively, you can start them indoors a few weeks before the last frost date and then transplant them outdoors. Cucumbers need warm soil to germinate and grow, so make sure the soil temperature is at least 60°F.
  3. Spacing: Space cucumber plants about 12-24 inches apart, depending on the variety. If you're growing cucumbers on a trellis, space them 1-2 feet apart.
  4. Watering: Cucumbers need consistent moisture to grow well, so water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather. Try to avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
  5. Fertilization: Cucumbers need regular fertilization to thrive. Use a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks, or use compost tea or other organic fertilizers.
  6. Weed control: Keep the area around your cucumber plants free of weeds to prevent them from competing for nutrients and water.
  7. Pest management: Cucumbers are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, including cucumber beetles, aphids, and powdery mildew. Consider using natural pest control methods, such as handpicking or insecticidal soap, to manage these problems.
  8. Harvesting: Cucumbers are ready to harvest when they reach a length of about 6-8 inches for slicing cucumbers or 2-4 inches for pickling cucumbers. Regular harvesting is important to encourage continued production.

By following these steps, you can successfully cultivate delicious cucumbers in your garden.

Health Benefits of Cucumber

Cucumbers are a low-calorie, refreshing, and nutritious vegetable that offer a range of health benefits. Some of the potential health benefits of cucumbers include:

  1. Hydration: Cucumbers are over 90% water, making them a great hydrating food. Eating cucumbers can help to keep you hydrated and support healthy skin and digestion.
  2. Nutrients: Cucumbers are rich in several vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium, which are vital for supporting the immune system, promoting bone health, and regulating blood pressure.
  3. Antioxidants: Cucumbers contain a range of antioxidants, including flavonoids, triterpenes, and lignans. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
  4. Digestion: Cucumbers are a good source of fiber, which is important for supporting healthy digestion and preventing constipation. The fiber in cucumbers may also help to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
  5. Skin health: Cucumbers contain compounds that may help to reduce inflammation and support healthy skin. They may also help to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

Overall, cucumbers are a nutritious and hydrating vegetable that can support a range of health benefits. Adding cucumbers to your diet is a simple way to boost your nutrient intake and support your overall health.

Nutritional Information of Cucumber

Here is the approximate nutritional content of cucumber per 100 grams:

  • Calories: 15
  • Protein: 0.65 grams
  • Fat: 0.11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 3.63 grams
  • Fiber: 0.5 grams
  • Sugar: 1.67 grams
  • Vitamin C: 2.8 milligrams (4% of the Daily Value)
  • Vitamin K: 16.4 micrograms (21% of the Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 147 milligrams (4% of the Daily Value)
  • Magnesium: 13 milligrams (3% of the Daily Value)

Cucumbers are also a good source of water and contain small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, calcium, and iron.

Structure of Cucumber

Here are some points describing the structure of a cucumber:

  1. Shape: Cucumbers are generally cylindrical, with a length that can range from a few inches to over a foot.
  2. Skin: The skin of a cucumber is thin and waxy, and it can be either smooth or bumpy depending on the variety.
  3. Flesh: The flesh of a cucumber is light green or yellowish-white in color and has a crisp, watery texture.
  4. Seeds: Cucumbers typically have a central cavity filled with small, edible seeds that are surrounded by a gel-like substance.
  5. Leaves: Cucumbers are part of the gourd family, and their leaves are large and lobed with a rough, hairy texture.
  6. Vines: Cucumber plants are vining plants that grow quickly and can become quite long if left to grow unchecked. They produce tendrils that help them to climb and attach to supports.
  7. Flowers: Cucumber plants produce small, yellow flowers that are either male or female. The female flowers have a small cucumber-like fruit at the base, which will grow into a mature cucumber if fertilized.

Overall, cucumbers have a relatively simple structure with thin skin, watery flesh, and edible seeds. They are easy-to-grow and nutritious vegetables that can be enjoyed fresh or in a range of recipes.

Types of Cucumber

There are many different types of cucumbers, each with its unique characteristics and uses. Here are some of the most common types of cucumber:

  1. Slicing cucumbers: These are the most commonly eaten cucumbers and are typically eaten fresh in salads or sandwiches. They are long and cylindrical, with thin skin and a mild flavor. Examples include the English cucumber and the American slicer.
  2. Pickling cucumbers: The cucumbers in question are comparatively petite and have a thicker skin than slicing cucumbers. They are ideal for pickling purposes, including both dill and sweet variations. Some examples of these cucumbers include the National Pickling cucumber and the Kirby cucumber.
  3. Burpless cucumbers: These cucumbers are often marketed as being gentler on digestion and less likely to cause belching or indigestion in comparison to other types of cucumbers. Their shape is typically slender and elongated, and they possess delicate skin with a mild and sweet flavor.
  4. Seedless cucumbers: As the name suggests, these cucumbers are grown without seeds. They are typically sweeter than other types of cucumbers and have thinner skin. They are often marketed as a premium variety and can be more expensive than other types of cucumbers.
  5. Lemon cucumbers: The cucumbers possess a lemon-like bright yellow skin and are petite and circular. They have a slightly sweet and gentle taste and are commonly utilized for pickling or adding to salads.
  6. Armenian cucumbers: These cucumbers are long and slender, with a slightly curved shape and thin, light green skin. They have a crisp texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

Uses of Cucumber

Cucumbers are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a wide variety of dishes and preparations. Here are some common uses of cucumber:

  1. Salads: Cucumbers are a common ingredient in salads, either sliced or diced. They add a refreshing, crisp texture and a mild flavor that pairs well with a range of other ingredients.
  2. Sandwiches and wraps: Sliced cucumbers can be used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. They add a refreshing crunch and can be used in place of lettuce or other greens.
  3. Pickles: Cucumbers can be pickled in vinegar, salt, and spices to make dill pickles or other types of pickled vegetables. Pickled cucumbers can be used as a condiment or added to sandwiches or salads.
  4. Cold soups: Cucumbers are a common ingredient in cold soups such as gazpacho. They add a refreshing, cooling element and pair well with other ingredients like tomatoes and peppers.
  5. Smoothies and juices: Cucumbers can be blended into smoothies or juices to add a refreshing flavor and a boost of nutrients.
  6. Skincare: Cucumbers can be used topically to soothe and hydrate the skin. They are often used in DIY skincare recipes like cucumber face masks and eye treatments.
  7. Cocktails: Cucumbers can be muddled and used as a base for refreshing cocktails like cucumber martinis and cucumber mojitos.

Overall, cucumbers are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a range of sweet and savory dishes. They add a refreshing, hydrating element and a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of other ingredients.