The main difference between Lebanese cucumber and continental cucumber is that Lebanese cucumbers are smaller in size and have smooth skin, whereas continental cucumbers are larger in size and have slightly ribbed skin.
Lebanese cucumber and continental cucumber are two types of cucumbers that have smooth skin and grow longer. They are usually consumed raw and not used for pickling. When compared to common cucumbers, they have fewer seeds.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Lebanese Cucumber
– Definition, Features
2. What is Continental Cucumber
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Lebanese Cucumber and Continental Cucumber
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Lebanese Cucumber and Continental Cucumber
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Cucumber, Lebanese Cucumber, Continental Cucumber, Persian Cucumber, Telegraph Cucumber
What is Lebanese Cucumber
Lebanese cucumbers are long, cylindrical cucumbers with dark green skin and white flesh. They have smoother skin and a sweeter flavor than common cucumbers. They are also smaller and have a crisp texture. Lebanese cucumbers are usually 14 to 20 cm long. The name Lebanese cucumber is mainly popular in Australia since it came to the country with Lebanese immigrants. Another name for the Lebanese cucumber is the Persian cucumber.
When compared to common cucumbers, they have a more refined texture and flavor and dry and pale flesh. Moreover, they have very few seeds. Lebanese cucumbers are a great choice for salads and appetizers. They are not the type of cucumbers for pickling.
Cucumbers contain a variety of health benefits. They are good for the skin, and the daily use of cucumbers is said to avoid wrinkles, dry skin, and acne breakouts.
What is Continental Cucumber
Continental cucumbers are long and thin cucumbers with a slight hook at one end. They are dark green and glossy with smooth skin that is slightly ribbed (they have shallow grooves running parallel from top to bottom). They are usually 30 to 45 cm long. In fact, they are considered to be the longest and thinnest of cucumbers. However, there is not much difference in terms of their flavor and texture. They are slightly sweeter than common cucumbers and have no or very few seeds. Their soft skin makes them ideal for salads and sandwiches.
Another name for continental cucumbers is telegraph cucumbers. These cucumbers are quick to harvest from flowering, with less bent fruit, especially in winter. When buying continent cucumber, choose fruits that are fresh, firm, and have a good green color. A deep green color indicates that the cucumber has recently come from the vine, while a dull color indicates it is aged. Moreover, make sure the stem end is firm. A poor-quality cucumber would have a decided give when pressure is lightly applied.
Similarities Between Lebanese Cucumber and Continental Cucumber
- Lebanese cucumbers and continental cucumbers are dark green in color.
- Both have few seeds.
- Also, usually, people consume them raw and do not use them for pickling.
Difference Between Lebanese Cucumber and Continental Cucumber
Definition
Lebanese cucumbers are long, cylindrical cucumbers with dark green skin and white flesh, while Continental cucumbers are long and thin cucumbers with a slight hook at one end and slightly ribbed skin.
Size
Lebanese cucumbers (14 to 20 cm long) are usually smaller than continental cucumbers (usually 30 to 45 cm long).
Skin
Moreover, Lebanese cucumbers are dark green and have smooth skin, whereas continental cucumbers are dark green and glossy with smooth skin that is slightly ribbed.
Conclusion
In brief, Lebanese cucumber and continental cucumber are two types of cucumbers that have smooth skin and grow longer. The main difference between Lebanese cucumber and continental cucumber is that Lebanese cucumbers are smaller in size and have smooth skin, whereas continental cucumbers are larger in size and have slightly ribbed skin.
Reference:
1. Elliot, David. “What Is Lebanese Cucumber?” The Crowded Table.
2. “Cucumber – Continental.” The Fruits of Life.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Lebanese cucumber, honey drop tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, yellow capsicum, strawberries” By Alpha (CC BY-NC 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Gurkenproduktion” By Karin Weigel – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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