Fresh cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are crisp, water-rich fruits in the squash family with a mild, refreshing flavor. Common varieties include slicing, English, Persian, and Asian cucumbers, which differ in size, skin thickness, seed development, and texture. Cucumbers are particularly rich in vitamin K1 and provide a diverse mixture of protective plant compounds. The peel is especially concentrated in flavonoids and other phytochemicals, while eating the whole fruit with the peel and seeds intact provides the broadest range of nutrients.