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Nature’s Refreshment

Cucumbers are 96% water, making them one of the most hydrating foods you can eat. On hot summer days, eating cucumbers is almost as refreshing as drinking water – but with added nutrients and flavor. The phrase “cool as a cucumber” is based on fact: the interior of a cucumber can be 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the outside air.

Beyond Basic Salads

While sliced cucumbers are salad staples, there is so much more you can do:

Quick Pickles: Slice cucumbers thin, toss with rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and sesame seeds. Ready in 30 minutes. These Japanese-style pickles are addictive.

Tzatziki: Grate cucumber, squeeze out excess water, and mix with Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Essential with grilled meats or as a dip.

Cucumber Water: Add sliced cucumbers to water with mint and lemon. Let infuse for an hour. This spa-style drink is incredibly refreshing and encourages hydration.

Gazpacho: Blend cucumbers with tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and olive oil for a cold Spanish soup. Perfect for using up abundant harvests.

Harvest Tips for Best Flavor

Pick cucumbers small for best flavor and texture. Large cucumbers develop bitter skins and large seeds. For slicing types, harvest at 15-20cm. For pickling types, harvest at 5-10cm.

Bitterness prevention: Cucumbers can turn bitter from stress – irregular watering, heat waves, or nutrient deficiency. Keep soil consistently moist and mulch well to prevent bitter fruits.

Beauty and Health Benefits

Cucumber slices on eyes are not just spa cliche – they actually work. The high water content and cool temperature reduce puffiness. Cucumbers also contain silica, a mineral that supports skin, hair, and nail health. The skin contains most of the nutrients, so leave it on when possible (especially with homegrown cucumbers that have not been waxed).

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