Gherkins
The gherkin - Cucumis sativus - is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and the Melothrieae tribe. The genus Cucumis comprises some 30 known species. Gherkins and cucumbers are both the same species. It seems that only the stage of ripening differentiated them before varieties were selected. Because the gherkin is rather indigestible raw, it is candied in salt and vinegar before consumption.