Cucumber (cucumis sativus) is in the gourd family. Beyond the rich Canadian tradition of pickling the cucumber, there are many uses for this cooling vegetable. Personally I like thick slices marinated in cider vinager and dill! Mmmmm with carway rye. Yum!
Here is an Indian condiment recipe which compliments the cucumber perfectly:
Cucumber Raita Dip Recipe
1 cucumber seeded and finely chopped
1 cup plain yoghurt
1 TBSP mint
1/4 tsp cumin
Stir & enjoy along bbq meats, fish, poultry and all vegetarian entrees. This is a cooling condiment excellent for summer!
I suggest squeezing out all the water from the cucumber, it leaves the dip thick and you can also use it another day.