Cucumber Month takes place throughout June! The cooling properties of cucumbers make them ideal for the hot summer months. Its refreshing properties make it ideal for adding to beverages, to detox or just to sip and enjoy. It takes quite some time for heat to penetrate through cucumbers which is why they are often so cool and refreshing. Cucumbers are also used for treating some skin ailments, especially when mixed with other ingredients such as aloe vera and lemon. An amazingly versatile vegetable with tons of different uses, from culinary to beauty.
History of Cucumber Month
Cultivated for at least 3,000 years, the origin of cucumbers was India, where a vast variety of vegetables existed. Records of the cultivation of cucumbers appearing in France date back to the ninth century. Throughout the 16th century, European traders and explorers sought products of Indian agriculture. This is likely how cucumbers made their way to Europe.
Cucumbers are more than just “cool.” 95% of a cucumber is water content, making it a summertime favorite. Cucumbers are closely related to zucchini, pumpkins, and even watermelon. Cukes are a common variety of cucumber that is found in salads and grown in home gardens.
There are many varieties of cucumber; the most popular being Persian, Pickling, and English cucumbers. These are available year-round. Cucumbers are broadly categorized as either slicing or pickling varieties, with most varieties used as both. The types vary in size and shape, and the color ranges from dark green to pale whitish-green. Lemon cucumbers are found with bright yellow streaks. Persian cucumbers have edible seeds that are easy to chew and digest. The peel of these cucumbers is often waxed to seal in moisture.
English cucumbers are also known as gourmet, seedless, or burpless cucumbers. This type has tiny seeds that don’t require removal. The shape is also longer and thinner, and usually shrink-wrapped to lock the moisture in.
Cucumbers go bad in warm temperatures quickly. They can be stored in the refrigerator crisper for up to a week. Unwaxed cucumbers lose moisture rapidly and must be wrapped tightly in plastic.
Cucumber Month timeline
Pickling emerges as a method to preserve food using vinegar or brine.
The Spaniards bring cucumbers to Haiti.
Cucumbers become popular when the company Heinz added pickles to its catalog of food products.
The National Garden Bureau selects cucumber as its vegetable of the year.
Cucumber Month FAQs
What is National Cucumber Day?
June 14 is National Cucumber Day, a food holiday that celebrates cucumbers.
What do Hendricks use in their gin?
Hendrick’s uses rose petal properties and cucumber in their gin distillation process.
Why is cucumber not good for you?
Cucumbers contain cucurbitacin, which can trigger indigestion in some people.
Cucumber Month Activities
Enjoy cucumbers
The easiest way to observe this holiday is to indulge in refreshing vegetables. Try out as many varieties as you can, and use them in salads, beverages, and other recipes.
Use it for decoration
Watch tutorials on how to create designs out of cucumber slices and their peel. Use it to add a tasteful touch to your platters.
Use it in beauty treatments
Cucumbers have been used for treating skin ailments for centuries. You can make a D.I.Y. lightening face mask using cucumbers, or heal sunburns. Look up your favorite beauty recipe online that uses cucumbers.
5 “Cool” Facts About Cucumbers
The largest cucumber ever
It measured 67 inches long and weighed 154 pounds.
It is mostly water
Cucumbers contain 96% water.
Serving size
One cup of cucumbers contains only eight calories!
They are antioxidants
Cucumbers have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Scent of cucumbers
Cucumbers are used as air fresheners and for removing odor in small spaces.
Why We Love Cucumber Month
It’s a whole month dedicated to cucumbers
We’ll be biased here, we love cucumbers. This is why a whole month dedicated to this vegetable is up to our alley.
Cucumbers have fantastic benefits
Packed with antioxidants, and water, and so delicious when pickled, cucumbers are great for the human body and keep us hydrated. Get some cucumbers and hydrate on this day!
The perfect summer vegetable
We love any food item that can help us beat the heat in summer. Cucumbers top the list!
Cucumber Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 1 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 1 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | June 1 | Thursday |
| 2029 | June 1 | Friday |
| 2030 | June 1 | Saturday |
