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Cucumber
History and Facts:
Records indicate cucumbers were used as food in ancient Egypt, and were a popular vegetable with the Greeks and Romans. The Emperor Tiberious of Rome insisted on a cucumber a day and had them grown artificially. Columbus brought cucumbers to the New World where Indians shared the seeds with others. Colonists settling in Virginia found cucumbers in 1584.
Nutritional Value:
Cucumbers are very low in calories and are a good source of vitamin E and potassium.
Storage:
Cucumbers should be stored at temperatures of 45 to 50 degrees fahrenheit, with a relative humidity of 90 to 95 percent. Typical shelf life is 10 to 14 days. Cucumbers are waxed to improve appearance and freshness. It also helps reduce shriveling due to water loss.
Availability:
November through June
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