SEASONALITY: You can find cucumbers at the grocery store year-round, but peak cucumber season is May – August.
STORAGE: Cucumbers should be stored in the refrigerator. If kept whole, they can be laid on the shelves or crisper bins. If storing cucumbers after peeling or chopping, they should be kept in an air tight container.
PREPARATION: Rinse cucumbers in cold water and scrub off dirt. Trim the ends regardless of method of consumption. If the skin is tough or waxed, peel the skin off. Skin can also be peeled off to create a more decorative look.
TIPS FOR USE: Cucumbers can Cut into cubes with tomatoes and herbs to create a salad. They can be consumed plain, or sliced into sticks or rounds to be used like a chip with dips. Blending cucumbers into a juice or smoothie can enhance the beverage’s nutrition value. Pickling cucumber can turn them into traditional-style pickles, or a cold pickling process can help them be a crunchy element of your meal.
Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants. Because of their high water content, eating cucumbers can aid in everyday hydration, helping with digestion and kidney function. Because of their high vitamin K content, cucumbers are good for reducing your risk of bone fractures and improves bone mass. Cucumbers contain high amounts of Cucurbitacin B, a naturally occurring plant compound gaining attention for its effect on cancer cells. Cucurbitacin B may help stop cancer growth and possibly destroy cancer cells.
Chopped Cucumber & Tomato Salad with Lemon
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp white-wine vinegar
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- ¾ tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 English cucumber, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb tomatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp chopped shallot
- 2 Tbsp chopped herbs (dill or basil)
Instructions
- Whisk vinegar, lemon zest, olive oil, lemon juice and salt in a large bowl.
- Add cucumber, tomatoes and shallot and toss.
- Let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour or up to 2 hours before serving.
- Just before serving, stir in herbs.
Nutritional Info: Calories 84, Carbohydrate 5g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 3g, Protein 1g, Fat 7g, Sodium 297mg
Recipe adapted from: www.eatingwell.com/recipe/280202/chopped-cucumber-tomato-salad-with-lemon/
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Contact Elizabeth Bordoni, NP, CBN, CSOWM, and professionals at Cayuga Center for Healthy Living to help you improve your health through successful, meaningful changes. If you want to lose weight, become more active, or learn to manage stress, we can help you reach your goal. Lifestyle changes can help you feel better and improve your overall health! Call (607) 252-3590 today.
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