Of all the many types of cucumbers, English cucumbers have earned a recurring spot on our grocery list. Also known as seedless, burpless, or hothouse cucumbers, English cucumbers are distinct from classic pickling or slicing cucumbers in a few ways. They’re long and narrow—sometimes even twice as long as the average slicing cucumber—with a thin, edible skin.
If you regularly purchase English cucumbers at the grocery store, you’ve likely noticed that, unlike those other varieties of cucumbers, they usually come wrapped in plastic. Ever wonder why? Here, we’re solving that mystery and breaking down everything else you need to know about English cucumbers.
- Sarah Brekke, M.S., Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen brand manager
What Are English Cucumbers?
English cucumbers look a little different than the classic slicing cucumbers you grow in your garden or purchase every summer at the farmers market. For one, they’re much longer and thinner, with dark, ridged skin and a mild, sweet taste. And though they go by the name “seedless cucumbers,” English cucumbers do have seeds, but typically fewer; the seeds are also smaller and safe to eat.
“English cucumbers were specifically bred to reduce some of the more undesirable characteristics of garden cucumbers such as thick skins, large seeds, and a bitter taste,” says Sarah Brekke, M.S., Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen brand manager. “Their milder flavor, thinner skins, and nearly seedless flesh make English cucumbers ideal for salads and snacks.”
Why Are English Cucumbers Wrapped in Plastic?
Thin, delicate skin is a trademark of English cucumbers, and it’s also the reason why they come wrapped in plastic. That extra layer of protection helps ensure the cucumbers stay crisp and snappy long after you bring them home from the store.
“Due to the thinner skin on an English cucumber, the vegetable is more prone to moisture loss and bruising,” Brekke says. “The plastic wrapping helps to retain moisture and protect the vegetable until it is ready to be consumed.”
How to Store English Cucumbers
Like other types of cucumbers, English cucumbers should be stored in the refrigerator unless you plan to use them immediately. English cucumbers come wrapped in plastic for a reason, so Brekke recommends keeping them in their original plastic wrapping until you’re ready to use them—especially if you’re just cutting off a few slices.
“If you intend to only use a portion of the cucumber at a time, peel back the plastic wrapping until the desired amount of cucumber is exposed,” Brekke says. “Cut off that portion of the vegetable and pull the plastic wrapping back up and over the remaining vegetable to protect it until the next use.”
How to Cook With English Cucumbers
English cucumbers have a mild, sweet taste, and they can easily be subbed in for slicing cucumbers in any of your favorite cucumber recipes. Brekke recommends thinly slicing them to use in salads, sandwiches, or side dishes, such as our spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad, Cucumber, Olive, and Dill Salad, or Tofu Spring Rolls. Because English cucumbers have thinner skins, making them easy to slice, and fewer seeds, they’re ideal for using in sandwiches like our Cucumber Tea Sandwiches.