Pickled

• Pickling cucumbers is a great way of preserving them if you have too large a quantity to use up. They can be served as a side dish or as a relish in a sandwich. First the moisture needs to be removed from the cucumber by slicing it thinly and sprinkling it with salt. After 10 minutes, rinse the slices thoroughly in cold water before putting in a bowl with sugar and vinegar. A few slices of ginger will add a hint of spice. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  
  

Jelly

• If you want to impress your dinner guests with something different, try making cucumber jelly for canapés or as an accompaniment for a fish starter. You will need three or four big cucumbers as you will have to blend them in a food processor until they are completely liquidized. Boil a packet of jelly until it's a liquid and add the cucumber juice, then bring to the boil again. Add a little salt and leave in the refrigerator to set. Serve with smoked salmon, dressed crab or as canapés.
  
  

With Yogurt

• Cucumber can be used as the main ingredient of yogurt-based dishes. A "raita" is an Indian side dish that typically accompanies curry. It is made with yogurt and cucumber and has a cooling effect which is a perfect pairing for the spicy curry. Greek tzatziki also combines cucumber with yogurt along with mint, olive oil and garlic. Middle Eastern variations sometimes contain sultanas instead of the garlic, but despite its sweetness it is still served as a starter or side dish.
  
  

Drinks

• You can use cucumbers to make refreshing cocktails as well as food. Add slices of cucumber to margaritas, or to vodka along with mint and lime for a summery drink. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, add cucumber and mint to cold lemonade. Use slices of cucumber as garnish as an alternative to sliced lemon or lime.