I (Cucumis sativus) am a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family Cucurbitaceae, which includes squash, and in the same genus as the muskmelon. Though i am technically a fruit, i am widely considered a vegetable.
I am a creeping vine that roots in the ground and grows up trellises or other supporting frames, wrapping around ribbing with thin, spiraling tendrils. I have large leaves that form a canopy over me.
I am roughly cylindrical, elongated, with tapered ends, and may be as large as 60 cm long and 10 cm in diameter. My relatives and me, grown to be eaten fresh (called slicers) and those intended for pickling (called picklers) are similar. We are mainly eaten in the unripe green form. Our ripe yellow form normally becomes too bitter and sour.
Having an enclosed seed and developing from a flower, we are scientifically classified as fruits. Much like tomatoes and squash, however, our sour-bitter flavor contributes to our being perceived, prepared and eaten as vegetables. Still, "vegetable" is a purely culinary term, and there is no conflict in classifying us as both a fruit and a vegetable.
I am 97 in cucumber years and proud! I am awaiting my 100th birthday to receive a letter from the Queen of Cucumbers, Cucumberess 5th.
Please feel free to add me, i won't bite!
