We can’t take credit for the term “cukes and zukes” — we overheard Farmer Matt of Burns Farm tell customers at the Monticello Farmers Market that his fields were full of cukes and zukes. We love the way it sounds…cukes and zukes!

Catskills Seasonality

June – December

Fresh Facts

• Kirby, Gherkin, Garden, Persian: there are many different varieties of cucumber available at the farmers market!
• Zucchini can be up to 95% water, cucumbers are 96% water – making both veggies low calorie but satisfying snacks
• Zucchini is also called a “summer squash” (as opposed to winter squash like the spaghetti squash or butternut squash)

Storage Tips

Both cukes and zukes can be stored in the fridge for about a week – place veggies in a loosely tied or perforated bag as you don’t want moisture to build up in the bag, and soften the veggies.

Prep & Usage

• Zucchini is so versatile! It can be baked, steamed, stir-fried, grilled, or sautéed
• Yes, you can eat zucchini raw! Cut into wide strips and use in a lasagna in place of noodles for a lower calorie dish
• For older and tougher zucchini, it is recommended to peel and remove its seeds – the flesh is still great for cooking (although not as flavorful for raw snacking)
• Diced cucumbers are great additions to salsa, adding a fresh summery flavor!
• Of course you can pickle cucumbers…see below for a simple pickling recipe that can be used for almost ANY veggie!
• If you use cucumber in a sauce (like Greek tzatziki), first slice the cucumber, sprinkle a teaspoon of salt over the slices, place in a bowl, let it sit an hour, then put in a strainer to remove excess moisture – you’ll enjoy a crunchier, more flavorful bite