Scarring on cucumbers and squash

There's a simple explanation for scars sometimes found on cucumbers, squash, zucchini or melons. These were caused by the leaves, vines or even tendrils rubbing against the tender skin of the cucumber when it was quite young. This can happen in windy conditions. The rubbing caused micro-abrasions that become corky and scarred and more noticeable as the fruit grew bigger.

Sometimes insect feeding (such as cucumber beetles) can cause this kind of damage, but there are usually other signs of damage, such as pitting on the fruit and damage to the leaves and stems.