How to prepare a cucumber

One of the most popular summer vegetables, cucumber can be used in salads, sandwiches and even soups. Here, our chef shares his advice for preparing cucumber.

To prepare a cucumber, you will need a sharp knife, a chopping board and a teaspoon.

1. Begin by removing each end with a kitchen knife.

2. Quarter the cucumber lengthways. Now half each piece, and make a diagonal incision either side of the core. The core is the more transparent, seedy part.
3. Next take a teaspoon and, using the incisions, carve out the core. Scraping with the tip of the spoon, create a smooth centre. You can then discard the core.
4. To make half-moons simply cut across width ways. To julienne, cut lengthways. And to dice, first cut lengthways, then across at 90 degrees.

Watch our video guide on how to prepare a cucumber here to see the step-by-step process: