Cucumbers are a polarizing vegetable, with some people disliking them so much that there are even cucumber-haters clubs. However, they are widely used in cooking, making them a staple ingredient in many dishes. Did you know that cucumbers were once an essential component of afternoon tea in England? Queen Elizabeth II reportedly enjoyed cucumber sandwiches as part of her tea service. Though often considered a cheap vegetable, cucumbers once had a high price tag. Let’s explore the surprising allure of cucumbers.
Refreshing cucumbers
Cucumbers are refreshing, hydrating foods with low calories and high water content, making them ideal for dieting and weight loss. They are also rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium, making them a healthy choice for many dishes.
Once a luxury food in Britain
In the 1800s, cucumbers were more expensive than meat in Britain. At that time, cucumbers were a luxury crop enjoyed by British colonists in India to cool off from the heat. To grow cucumbers in Britain, one needed a glass greenhouse in their garden, so only the upper class could savor this vegetable.
The rise of cucumber kimbap
Cucumber-based dishes are generally easy and quick to prepare, making them accessible to younger generations. Cucumber sandwiches and kimbap have recently gained popularity on YouTube, attracting health-conscious young people who appreciate tasty and nutritious ingredients.
A classic negative calorie food
Cucumbers consistently appear in diet plans because they help maintain satiety while being extremely low in calories. Known as a negative calorie food, cucumbers contain only 11 kcal per 100 grams. Additionally, they are high in dietary fiber, which aids in maintaining a healthy weight. Since most of the fiber is in the skin, eating cucumbers with the peel is essential.
A popular fruit substitute
Cucumbers are also popular as a substitute for fruits. Among those in their 60s, the age group that buys cucumbers the most, cucumbers are favored for their high water content and crisp texture, particularly as they need to limit their intake of sugary fruits.
Cucumbers are excellent for hydration
Cucumbers consist of about 96% water, making them great for replenishing bodily fluids. They are particularly beneficial in the summer heat. Eating cucumbers on hot days helps maintain hydration and regulate body temperature, contributing to overall stamina.
Be cautious with pickles and cucumber-based fermented foods
While cucumbers are healthy, it’s best to avoid excessive pickles or cucumber kimchi consumption. Eating too much of these can irritate the esophagus and teeth. Studies have shown that consuming too many pickled foods can double the risk of esophageal cancer, and the acetic acid in vinegar used for pickling can damage teeth.
Have you heard of cucumber water?
While cucumbers can be enjoyed in various dishes, many people opt for cucumber water as an easy way to boost their health. To make it, soak clean cucumbers in water for about three hours, then add lemon or other flavors. Drinking two to three glasses a day can protect liver cells, enhance regeneration, promote diuresis, and provide detox benefits. Additionally, it helps eliminate harmful toxins from the body, reduce swelling, and aid in fatigue recovery.
How to remove the bitterness from cucumbers?
Some people are put off by the bitter taste of cucumbers, but there are ways to eliminate it using salt or sugar. After cutting a cucumber, soaking it in saltwater for about 30 minutes will draw out moisture and remove bitterness. Sprinkling sugar on cut cucumbers can also mask the bitterness while adding sweetness. Vinegar is another effective option; sprinkling vinegar on cucumbers and letting them sit for about 10 minutes will eliminate bitterness and enhance the flavor.
Foods that pair well with cucumbers
The probiotics in yogurt help with digestion and increase the number of beneficial gut bacteria. Eating yogurt with cucumbers allows the dietary fiber in cucumbers to nourish the probiotics, enhancing their survival rate and improving gut health, which supports digestion and immune function. Combining cucumbers with olive oil can also enhance blood circulation and provide anti-inflammatory effects, as the beta-carotene in cucumbers acts as an antioxidant, while the monounsaturated fats in olive oil promote better blood flow and reduce inflammation.
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