Cucumbers are exploding in fields and gardens across Ontario and it is your duty as a food lover to eat as many as possible at the peak of freshness. Here are 20 fun facts about cucumbers* followed by 5 great recipes (including our favourite smashed cucumber salad).
- Cucumbers originate from south East Asia.
- Cucumbers can be up to 2 foot long!
- China produces 76% of cucumber and gherkin production in the world.
- A raw cucumber is actually 95% water.
- A whole cucumber is just 16 calories.
- Cucumbers can be grown in soilless medium, such as in water (hydroponic).
- The large leaves on a cucumber plant provide shading for the developing fruits.
- In Northern England, pickled cucumbers are sometimes called ‘wallies’.
- In Roman times, Emperor Tiberius had cucumber on his table daily all year round.
- Cucumber plants climb by tendrils, which are thin spiralling shoots.
- During the 17th century, hygiene prejudices meant uncooked vegetables, such as cucumber, fell out of favour.
- Cucumbers can cool the body and the blood, which gave rise to the phrase ‘cool as a cucumber’.
- Cucumbers contain some carbohydrates, so can act as an energy pick me up mid afternoon.
- A slice of cucumber pressed to the roof of your mouth for 30 seconds can kill bacteria and freshen the breath!
- The cooling effects of cucumber can soothe sunburn. Mix up a puree and apply it to affected areas.
- Cucumbers have lots of vitamin K.
- It takes just 12 weeks from sowing cucumber seed to harvesting the fruits.
- Cucumber peel holds almost all of the cucumber’s fiber.
- Harvesting cucumbers regularly will mean your plant will produce more and more fruits.
- Cucumber slices can be rubbed on noisy hinges to lubricate them.
*via Mr Plant Geek
A honeydew-cucumber slushy from Bon Appetit
Recipes:
Bon App’s Smashed Cucumber Salad
Kohlrabi, Cucumber, Tomato Salad