The Lemon Cucumber - A Myth?

I have heard fables from my husband about these amazingly delicious cucumbers, "lemon cucumbers" to be exact and how they would buy them at road side vendors in Northern California when he was just a boy.  In all my 30+ years I have never once seen or heard of this mythical cucumber.  In fact, until recently I was unaware that there were varieties of cucumbers such as an English cucumber.  I know, I know, you are probably wondering what rock I grew up under?! 

I will have you know that I did not grow up under a rock - I collected them. 

Since hearing my husband talk about how delicious these lemon cucumbers were I have been on the look out.  Since moving to California I have had the pleasure of enjoying some of the sweetest fruits and vegetables all locally grown.  My world has opened up!  Alix at Cali Cooking Couple (http://calicookingcouple.blogspot.com/) recently let me in on a well known local secret... Larry's Produce.  Larry's is an amazing farmer's market with great selection and awesome pricing.  (Creative Juice also has a great blog post about Larry's, check it out: http://getcreativejuice.blogspot.com/search/label/yummy)

So today Jacob and I were at Larry's picking produce for my bulk cooking project.  When what did I see before my very eyes?!  A sign that read: Lemon Cucumbers .89/lb.  I am not kidding, I stopped dead in my tracks and did a double take.  They do exist!  Where is my camera when I need it?  So of course I snagged a bag full with not a clue what to do with them.  All I knew was that I was going to have one happy husband when he gets home tonight! And as it turns out, he's not a liar after all, LOL.  As if I ever really doubted him.

Lemon Cucumbers - Not a Myth!

According to Cook's Thesaurus, a lemon cucumber is sweet and flavorful, but less acidic.  What I gather from my quickie Google education is that lemon cucumbers are used just as any other variety.  Not often are they cooked, but are used in salads, agua fesca, and smoothies.  I was hoping to find a recipe that was more interesting than slicing and dipping in dressing.  With lack of inspiration and patience to search online, I decided to improvise.  Cucumber-Apple smoothie anyone?  While it certainly wasn't "bad", it is not something I am going to try again - ever. Stick to salads and veggie trays...

So the next time you are at the farmers market or pass a veggie stand, give it a second look.  If you see a lemon cucumber, live a little - get yourself one!