Pickling varieties such as gherkins, the American dill and small French pickles are relatively small.

Slicing cucumbers are relatively long thin-skinned English or Japanese ones.

They are refreshing and can be served as soups, appetisers, salads, hot dishes, sandwiches, spreads and dips.

Although cucumbers are low in calories, they have little very nutritional value, with 95 per cent of it water.