CUCUMBERS

Fun Facts: Did you know that cucumbers are actually a fruit, not a vegetable? Have you ever wondered why cucumbers and melons pair so well together? Well, it turns out that they are in the same botanical family!

If you have a minute to spare, PLEASE listen to –this song about cucumbers it’s a fun, must watch video!

Looking To Grow Your Own Cucumbers?

Spring time is the perfect time for a cucumber garden. These easy care plants are perfect for beginner gardeners, as all they require is warmth and plenty of water. Interestingly enough, cucumbers are best before they get too large! Once cucumbers become too large or mature, their taste will become bitter and their seeds will harden.  Cucumbers can take about 50-70 days from the time you plant the seeds to harvest.

Cucumbers Aren’t Just For Munching

It’s no secret that cucumbers have been a “no puff” beauty trick for the eyes for some time.

The reason for that being, they have very high water content and anti-inflammatory effects.
Cucumbers are made up of nearly 95% water! Additionally, cucumbers are also great for your kidneys, liver and joints.

“Cucumbers are often used topically to enhance skin function.  The natural ascorbic acid and caffeic acid within the plant act to prevent water retention in the skin.  This reduces swelling under the eyes and helps the skin heal from sunburn, inflammation and eszema…Cucumbers are also very effective when eaten and applied topically for removing unwanted cellulite.  They act to draw out excess fluids and tighten collagen which has the effect of a natural cellulite reduction.  Simply eat some cucumber, juice it and/or place slices of it on the regions of water retention.” Dr. Jockers

Health Benefits

Cucumbers have often been recognized as a low calorie, hydrating “vegetable,” however, it seems as though they have often been overlooked when it comes to the nutrients they bring to the table.  These healthy, refreshing fruits are actually packed with antioxidants and have been said to possibly lower your risk of cancer.

“Several bioactive compounds have been isolated from the nutritious cucumber, including cucurbitacins, glucosides, lignans, apigenin and flavanols like firestin. These are known to have strong cancer-fighting abilities since they can protect DNA and cells from damage due to oxidative stress. Fisetin is specifically tied to brain health and preservation of cognative function,
while cucurbitacins are known to have cancerous tumor-reducing effects.” Dr. Axe

The phytonutrients found in cucumbers have shown to potentially lower the risk of chronic inflammation!

Say no more-right?!

Below is a list of excellent ways to incorporate cucumbers into your diet!

• Cucumber water:  add mint leaves and a squeeze of lemon to a sparkling water for an extra refreshing beverage
• Taziki: the perfect dip to munch on with other healthy veggies OR use as a sauce with some fresh fish (among a ton of other options)
• Cucumber salad:  nothing screams summer to me like a cold cucumber salad with thinly sliced purple onion and your favorite vinagrette
• Chilled cucumber soup: probably not the first thing to come to mind when thinking about how to use your cucumbers, however, chilled cucumber soup is both refreshing and delightful
• Napa Cabbage & Cucumber Salad:  check out our recipe library for a salad perfect as a meal or snack
• Pickles!!! Whether you love a delicious crunchy dill pickle or you’re more of a bread & butter fan, pickles are always a good idea (keep an eye out for our keto pickle recipes coming soon)