The phrase 'cool as a cucumber' is thought to refer to the fact that on a hot day, the inside of a cucumber will be about six degrees cooler than the outside air.
Wash the whole cucumber well and dry thoroughly before storing. Kept in the fridge, it should last up to 1-2 weeks.
The cucumber is a vegetable preferably eaten raw, though it can also be steamed or sautéed. Cucumbers make a great addition to salads as well.
