Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Cook cucumbers quickly at high heat to keep them crisp. Persian cucumbers are best for cooking as they hold their shape well.

Why? They're refreshing during sultry weather; they're ripening in gardens now and filling bins at farmers markets. They can be more than an ingredient in salads. Just ask cooks around the world who ...

Cucumbers always seem to get a cold shoulder. "Puree and chill" says one recipe. "Combine and refrigerate," says another. After a while, you might think that only icy cold cucumbers are worth eating.