Crisp, cool, and wonderfully hydrating, our Fresh Cucumbers — known as Kheera in Hindi, Kakdi in Marathi, and Vellarikka in Malayalam — are a year-round essential in Indian and international kitchens. With their mild, clean flavour and satisfying crunch, cucumbers are as at home in a raita as they are in a salad or a chilled summer drink. Find them in our Everyday Vegetables collection or browse all fresh produce in Fresh Foods.
Slice into rounds for a classic Kheera Raita — mix with yoghurt, cumin, and mint for the perfect cooling accompaniment to biryani and spicy curries. Dice into Kachumber Salad with tomatoes, onions, and lemon juice. Add to Sandwiches, Wraps, and Chaats for freshness and crunch. Blend with mint, lemon, and water for a refreshing Cucumber Cooler, or spiralise for a low-carb noodle alternative.
Store whole cucumbers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Once cut, wrap in cling film and use within 2–3 days. Do not freeze — the high water content makes them mushy when thawed.
Q: Should I peel cucumbers before eating?
A: The skin is edible and contains additional fibre and nutrients. Peel if the skin is waxed or if you prefer a milder flavour.
Q: What are the health benefits of cucumbers?
A: Cucumbers are highly hydrating, support skin health, aid digestion, and are rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K. Their low calorie content makes them ideal for weight management.
Q: Can I use cucumber in Indian cooking?
A: Absolutely — cucumber is used in raita, kachumber salad, chaat, and as a cooling side dish. It is also eaten raw with a sprinkle of chaat masala as a popular street snack.