| − | A '''cucumber''' (''cucumis sativus'') is a fruit of the gourd family, high in [[water]] content and with a very mild flavour.<ref>http://www.cucumbergrowers.co.uk/</ref> It is commonly eaten in [[salad]], and, amongst the [[British]] upper classes, in cucumber sandwiches. | + | A '''cucumber''' (''cucumis sativus'') is a fruit of the gourd family, high in [[water]] content and with a very mild flavour.<ref>http://www.cucumbergrowers.co.uk/</ref> It is commonly eaten in [[salad]], and, amongst the [[British]] upper classes, in cucumber sandwiches. The cucumber has an elongated tubular shape, tapering towards the ends, with a dark green skin and pale flesh. Being a fruit, it contains its seeds within it. |
| | + | The eighteenth century author Dr Johnson recommended that "a cucumber should be well sliced, and dressed with pepper and vinegar, and then thrown out, as good fro nothing."<ref>http://encarta.msn.com/related_761578498_10.53/Food_A_cucumber_should_be_well_.html</ref> |
| − | The eighteenth century author Dr Johnson recommended that "a cucumber should be well sliced, and dressed with pepper and vinegar, and then thrown out, as good fro nothing."<ref>http://encarta.msn.com/related_761578498_10.53/Food_A_cucumber_should_be_well_.html</ref> | + | ==The cucumber and Euro-sceptics== |