What is the difference between a cucumber and a zucchini?

A cucumber is classified as a gourd, and the zucchini is a type of squash, according to CookThink. Although they look similar, the taste, texture and preparation methods for the two are extremely different.

At first glance, it is difficult to tell a zucchini from a cucumber, but a simple touch reveals some major differences. A zucchini has a rough texture, while cucumbers are smooth. Cucumber is most often eaten raw, and zucchini is typically eaten cooked. Raw cucumbers are juicy and crunchy, but cooked cucumbers droop and wither. Raw zucchini is fuller and a little bitter, but cooked zucchini is sweet and soft.