Cucumber is a type of vegetable that belongs to the gourd family. It is typically long and cylindrical in shape, with a green or yellowish skin and a crisp, juicy interior. They are often eaten raw, as they are a popular ingredient in salads and sandwiches. They can also be pickled, fermented, or used in a variety of other dishes. Cucumbers are a good source of hydration and contain antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients.
How many calories is a cucumber?
A cucumber contains about 25 Kcal per 100 grams (3.5 ounces). This makes it a very low-calorie food, making it a great addition to a weight loss diet. It is also a good source of hydration, making it a healthy and refreshing snack option. It contains no cholesterol and low fat, so it can be considered as a healthy food.
Cucumber benefits for better health
Cucumber has got many health benefits, creators of recipe to cook have listed top benefits that it provides you:
- Hydration: Cucumbers are mostly made up of water, making them a great way to stay hydrated.
- Low in calories: They are low in calories and fat, making them a great addition to a weight loss diet.
- May aid digestion: Cucumbers contain fiber and water, which can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation.
- Lower blood pressure: The high potassium content in cucumbers may help lower blood pressure.
- May reduce risk of cancer: Cucumbers contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
- Support heart health: The high levels of potassium and magnesium in cucumbers may support heart health.
- Improve skin health: Cucumbers contain vitamin C and silica, which can improve the overall health of the skin.
- May reduce inflammation: The anti-inflammatory compounds found in cucumbers may reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- May improve bone health: Cucumbers contain vitamin K, which is important for bone health.
- Support healthy hair: Cucumbers contain biotin, which can strengthen hair and nails.
What Does Cucumber Do for Your Eyes?
Cucumbers have a number of benefits for the eyes. They contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can help protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. Cucumbers are also a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two compounds that are important for maintaining healthy eyesight. These compounds help to protect the eyes from damage caused by blue light and UV rays, and may also help to prevent age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, cucumbers contain a compound called ascorbic acid which can help reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes, when applied as a cucumber slice on the eyes.
Remedies for Itchy Eyes (with cucumber)
- Cut the cucumber into thin slices.
- Put the cucumber over your eyes
- Let it for at least 10 minutes on your eyes
How to tell if cucumber is bad?
- Appearance: Look for signs of mold or discoloration on the cucumber’s skin. If the cucumber has a slimy texture or dark spots, it is likely spoiled and should be thrown away.
- Smell: A fresh cucumber should have a light, fresh smell. If the cucumber has a sour or musty odor, it is likely spoiled and should be discarded.
- Softness: Check the cucumber for soft spots or areas of mushiness. If the cucumber is too soft, it is likely overripe and should be thrown away.
- Wrinkles: If the cucumber has wrinkles on the skin, it is likely overripe and should be discarded.
- Seeds: Check the seeds inside the cucumber. If they are brown or black, the cucumber is overripe and should be discarded.
It’s very much important to note that cucumbers should be stored in a cool and dry place, like a refrigerator, and it’s best to use them within a week for optimal freshness.
English cucumber vs regular
English cucumbers, also considered to be as seedless cucumbers or hothouse cucumbers, are a variety of cucumber that are typically longer and thinner than regular cucumbers. They have a dark green, smooth skin and are typically sold wrapped in plastic to maintain their freshness. They are known for their mild, sweet flavor and lack of seeds, making them a popular choice for salads and sandwiches.
Regular cucumbers, also known as field cucumbers or slicing cucumbers, are the more common variety found in grocery stores. They have got a slightly stronger flavor than English cucumbers and are often used in pickling. They are also preferred in some recipes as they tend to have more flesh than the English cucumbers. Regular cucumbers have a light green, bumpy skin and can be eaten with or without the seeds.
Both types of cucumbers have similar nutritional values, and both are good for hydration, low in calories and a good source of antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients, but the choice between the two depends on the desired use.
Famous cucumber salad recipe
One famous cucumber salad recipe is the Greek Cucumber Salad, also known as “Tzatziki”. It’s a refreshing side dish that goes well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and pita bread. Here is a recipe for Greek Cucumber Salad:
Ingredients:
- 1 large English cucumber, peeled and grated
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Peel and grate the cucumber and place it in a colander over a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. This will help to remove excess water from the cucumber.
- In a bowl, mix the yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
- Squeeze the excess water from the cucumber and add it to the yogurt mixture. Mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled, garnished with additional dill or parsley if desired.
You can also add some sliced onions, tomatoes and feta cheese to the mix to make it more flavorful.
TRY GREEK SALAD DRESSING RECIPE
Is cucumber a fruit?
We probably think that, cucumber is a vegetable. But when we are speaking botanically, Yes. Cucumber is a type of fruit. Specifically, it is a type of botanical fruit called a pepo, which is a type of berry with a hard outer rind and seeds encased in fleshy tissue.