Storage Tips
Wrap them in a moist towel or store in a perforated bag. They can last up to a week.
Nutritional Benefits
• Low in calories and rich in essential nutrients, including:
o Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
o Water content: Over 95%.
o Antioxidants: Including flavonoids and tannins, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
• A serving of cucumber (about half a cup) contains only 8 calories.
I. Simple & Refreshing Recipe: Cucumber Sandwiches
Ingredients:
• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 8 slices of whole grain bread
• Cream cheese or hummus
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh dill or mint (optional)
Instructions:
1. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or hummus on each slice of bread.
2 Arrange the cucumber slices evenly over four of the bread slices. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper to taste. Add fresh dill or mint leaves if using.
3. Place the remaining bread slices on top of the cucumbers to make sandwiches. Cut each sandwich into halves or quarters, depending on preference.
II. Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
• 2 Large cucumbers, diced
• 4 tomatoes, diced
• 1/3 cup minced red onion (optional)
• 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley or cilantro
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Dice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
2. Chop the Parsley
4. Drizzle olive oil and squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the salad. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Gently toss the salad to mix the vegetables with the dressing.
6. The salad can be served or chilled in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
This salad can be customized by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, radishes, avocado, Mexican peppers, or other spices.
Fun Facts
• Originating in South Asia, cucumbers have been cultivated for at least 3,000 years. Enjoyed in salads, sandwiches, and as a crunchy snack.
• Pickled cucumbers, a tradition in many cultures.
• Longest cucumber is 3 feet 8.64 in (113.4 cm), grown by Sebastian Suski in Southampton, Hampshire, England.
• Cucamelons are tiny fruits, like miniature watermelons, but full of cucumbers' tastes.
