Cucumber

Cultivated for more than 3,000 years, first in India, this cool, crunchy member of the gourd family grows in vines on the ground, but reaches lofty heights in recipes like tzatziki, the Greek yogurt dish.

Keep a cuke's high moisture content intact by placing it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Use within a week.

• Rinse under cool, running water
• Remove peel with a vegetable peeler or a paring knife
• Some recipes require the removal of the seeds, which is a snap if you cut the cucumber in half, lengthwise, and use a spoon to gently scrape them out

Place slices of cucumber in a pitcher and fill with water for a thirst quencher that's often served at high-end spas.