Vegetables

Cucumber

A long cylindrical cucumber with crisp watery flesh and green skin.

繁體中文: 青瓜
English: Cucumber
Bahasa Indonesia: Timun (青瓜)
Tagalog: Pipino (青瓜)

What is it?

Cucumber is a food item commonly encountered in Hong Kong homes and markets.

How to identify it

Look for a straight cylinder with smooth to lightly bumpy skin; the cut face is pale and juicy with a central seed cavity.

A long cylindrical cucumber with crisp watery flesh and green skin.
Look for a straight cylinder with smooth to lightly bumpy skin; the cut face is pale and juicy with a central seed cavity.
Cucumber is watery and elongated; zucchini is often stouter with a pronounced stem end.

Common confusion

Zucchini

Cucumber is watery and elongated; zucchini is often stouter with a pronounced stem end.

Common Hong Kong household uses

Use in a recipe that specifically names this vegetable; this page identifies the market item only.

Preparation or handling

Wash thoroughly under clean running water before cooking; do not use soap, special detergent or produce wash.

Storage

Wash only immediately before cooking or eating; if pre-washing is necessary, dry thoroughly and follow the label or supplier storage directions.

Helper tip

Use the Hong Kong name and check the physical features or original label when buying. Look for a straight cylinder with smooth to lightly bumpy skin; the cut face is pale and juicy with a central seed cavity.

What Ma’am or Sir may say

唔該要青瓜，俾我睇清楚先。

The employer wants Cucumber and asks for it to be checked before purchase.

Useful market phrase

唔該要青瓜，俾我睇清楚先。

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Last reviewed

2026-08-24