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Cucumber

Also Known As : Kheera, Concombre, Pepino
Technical Name : Cucumis sativus
MySmartKitchenTM 1

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

Depending on variety, cucumbers may have a mild melon aroma and flavor

Usage Tips

  1. Cucumbers are great sliced into salads or served raw.
  2. It can be served plain with soy sauce or a light yogurt dressing.
  3. Cucumbers can be eaten fresh or pickled.
  4. Cucumbers give a fresh taste to tuna fish or chicken salad preparations.
  5. Once it has been cut a cucumber should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a plastic bag.
  6. In order to avoid bitter flavor, they must preferably be peeled from the petiole towards the other end

Common names and forms

  1. Chopped cucumber
  2. Cucumber puree
  3. Cucumber Rose
  4. grated cucumber

Description

Cucumber is a summer vegetable, with elongate shape and 15cm long. Its skin is of a green colour, turning into yellow in maturation. Cucumbers originated in India almost 10,000 years ago, but are now cultivated in many countries. There are three main varieties of cucumber: slicing, pickling, and seedless. Cucumbers grown to eat fresh are called slicing cucumbers. The main varieties of slicers mature on vines with large leaves that provide shading. Pickling with brine, sugar, vinegar, and spices creates various, flavored products from cucumbers and other foods. Although any cucumber can be pickled, commercial pickles are made from cucumbers specially bred for uniformity of length-to-diameter ratio and lack of voids in the flesh. Seedless/ Burpless cucumbers are sweeter and have a thinner skin than other varieties of cucumber. They are reputed to be easy to digest and to have a pleasant taste.

Health benefits

  • Cucumbers contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic disease. (1) 
  • Cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, which may increase hydration and help to meet the daily fluid needs of the body. (1) 
  • Cucumbers are low in calories, high in water and can be used as a low-calorie topping for many dishes. All of these may aid in weight loss. (1) 
  • It contributes to healthy regulation of blood pressure and contributes to the proper structure of connective tissues in our body due to high content of magnesium and potassium. (2)
  • The glycemic index (GI) of cucumbers is zero, meaning that it is a good choice for diabetic patients and, thus, can help keep the glucose level in check. (2)

Selection Guide

Look for firm cucumbers, without blemishes or soft spots. They should be dark green without any yellow spots. Avoid any cucumber that has wrinkles.

Resource & Links

(1)  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-of-cucumber#section2

(2) https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/cucumber.html

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”