Cool, crunchy and refreshing, cucumbers are like a breeze in a bowl. And there is a lot more to them beyond green salad and sandwiches. They’re the ideal foil for hot weather and spicy food, and pair particularly well with anything lactic, such as yoghurt or buttermilk, or briny, such as soy sauce or vinegar. Long, English cucumbers are as wet as the country’s weather, which makes them ideal for elegant, cold summer soups, cordials and cocktails, while the short, crisp Persian variety holds its shape and texture, making it perfect for pickles, salads or just munching with a sprinkle of sea salt.
