Cucumbers originated in India where they have been cultivated for 3000 years. The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a member of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) as are melons, squash and pumpkins. Cucumbers grown for pickling (picklers) and those grown for fresh market (slicers) are the same species. Fruit of fresh market cucumbers are longer, smooth rather than bumpy, have a more uniform green skin color and a tougher, glossier skin than fruit of picklers.