"Cool as a cucumber" isn't just a catchy phrase. The inner temperature
of a cucumber can be up to 20 degrees cooler than the outside air. No
wonder these are such a summertime favorite!
Cucumbers were believed to have originated in India and spread through
Greece and Italy. They made their way into North America agriculture by
the mid-16 century. Cool and moist due to their high water content. "Cukes"
belong to the same family as pumpkins, zucchini, watermelon and other
squashes.
|
Cucumbers |
Serving
size 1/2 cup, sliced with skin (52g)
Amounts Per Serving |
% Daily
Value |
Calories
10 |
|
Calories
from Fat 0 |
0 |
Total Fat 0g |
0% |
Saturated
Fat 0g |
0% |
Sodium 0mg |
0% |
Cholesterol
0mg |
0% |
Total
Carbohydrate 2g |
1% |
Dietary Fiber 0g |
0% |
Sugars 1g |
|
Protein 0g |
|
Vitamin A |
2% |
Vitamin C |
2% |
Calcium |
0% |
Iron |
0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a
2,000 calorie diet. |
|
|
|
There are several varieties of cucumber; the most popular are English,
Persian, and Pickling cucumbers. All these varieties are available year
round.
Persian cucumbers are also known as regular cucumbers with soft,
edible seeds. The skin is often waxed to seal in moisture.
English cucumbers are sometimes known as gourmet cucumbers, "burpless",
or seedless cucumbers. This variety has seeds that are very small but do
not need to be removed. Longer and thinner than regular cucumbers this
variety is usually shrink-wrapped to seal in moisture because they are not
waxed.
It’s important to look for firm cucumbers with rich green color and no
soft spots. Cucumbers that bulge in the middle, usually most likely means
its filled with large watery seeds and tasteless flesh.
Whole cucumbers should be refrigerated in a crisper for up to a week.
Unwaxed cucumbers will easily lose moisture so keep them wrapped tightly
in plastic.
- Wash; removing seeds and peeling depends on the variety and is
optional. To seed, slice in half lengthwise and scrape out with the tip of
a teaspoon.
- Add a decorative touch to your veggie platter. Run tines of a fork
down the entire length of the cucumber, penetrating the peel. Slice
crosswise.
Recipes
Tomato,
Cucumber and Red Onion Salad with Mint
Serves 6
Each serving equals 3/4 cup of fruit or vegetables
Source: Unknown
Ingredients
2 large cucumbers - halved lengthwise, seeded and sliced
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp white sugar
1 tsp salt
3 large tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped
2/3 cup coarsely chopped red onion
½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
3 Tbsps olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
In a large bowl, toss together the cucumbers, vinegar, sugar and salt.
Let stand at room temperature for an hour, stirring occasionally.
Add tomatoes, onion, mint and oil to cucumbers and toss to blend. Season
to taste with salt and pepper.
Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 116, Fat 7.3g, Calories from
Fat 11%, Protein 2.2g, Carbohydrates 12.4g, Cholesterol 0mg, Fiber 2.1g,
Sodium 399mg.
Find more in our
recipe database!
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