Healthy lifestyle - Cool as a cucumber
Published: Saturday | November 28, 2009
Ian Allen/Photographer
LEFT: Citrus-cured salmon in cucumber cups makes a quick, light appetiser for parties.
RIGHT: Students from Mona Primary School examine cucumber plants given to them by agents of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority during a health and wellness expo, held under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Scientific Research Council, at Hope Gardens on Thursday.
Heather Little-White, Contributor
Cucumbers are synonymous with being 'cool', and rightly so. By their composition, cucumbers are 'cooling' and nutritious.
It is believed that cucumbers originated in India and spread through Greece, France and Italy. The first documentation of the phrase 'cool as a cucumber' was in the poem, 'A New Song', by playwright John Gay in 1732.
The history of cucumbers dates back to the 1600s during the reign of Louis XIV, king of France, who was known for his love of food.
Plant your own
You may want to follow King Louis and plant your own 'kukes'. Cucumber seeds are planted directly in the ground in warm and ample soil. Plant seeds one half- to one-inch deep, and space 12 inches apart in rows. For best yields, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into soil before planting. Protect the seedlings from wind.
You may experience pests such as cucumber beetles, which create holes in foliage or chew on flower or scar stems. Plants may be affected by bacterial wilt caused by the beetle attack. Plants may be stunted by the cucumber mosaic virus.
Reap cucumbers at any stage of development but long before the seeds become hard. A cucumber is best in quality when it is uniformly green, firm and crisp. Cucumbers should not be allowed to turn yellow. The fruit grows rapidly to harvest size and, as such, should be picked at least every other day.
Cucumber and yoghurt
Available all year round, the cucumber is easy to eat - skin and all, if the skin is not waxed. The seeds are edible, but as the cucumber matures, the seeds become bitter.
Cucumber can be used as a condiment and is also a choice for pickling in seasoned brine or vinegar. Importantly, cucumbers should be washed before they are eaten or used in cooking. To de-seed, slice cucumber lengthwise and scrape out seeds with a spoon.
Greek cuisine uses cucumbers in exciting dishes such as Greek cucumber and yoghurt sauce tzatziki, a classic sauce used on Greek gyros. Gyros are made from pita bread with minced lamb, onions and peppers. Yoghurt/cucumber preparations are used as dips, as a substitute for mayonnaise in a sandwich, and their coolness complements spicy foods to provide a harmonious flavour.
Tzatziki Sauce
2 (8oz) containers plain yoghurt
2 cucumbers - peeled, seeded and diced
2 tbsps olive oil
1/2 lemon, juiced
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
3 cloves garlic, peeled
Method:
In a food processor or blender, combine yoghurt, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, dill and garlic. Process until well combined. Transfer to a separate dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour for best flavour.
Serves 8
allrecipes.com
Shrimp and Cucumber Stir-fry
2 large cucumbers, peeled
3 tbsps salad oil
2 tbsps minced fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup (2.5oz/70.87g) minced green onions (including tops)
1lb (453.6g) medium-size shrimp, shelled and deveined
salt
cooking sauce
(recipe follows)
Prepare cooking sauce and set aside. Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise; scrape out and discard seeds. Cut each cucumber half crosswise into 1/4 inch-thick slices.
Place a wok or heavy pan over high heat. When wok is hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil. When oil is hot, add cucumbers and 1 tablespoon of ginger; stir-fry until cucumbers are tender-crisp to the bite (about 3 minutes). Pour on to a platter and keep warm.
Nutritional information
Tzatziki Sauce
Servings per recipe: 8
Amount per serving
Calories: 75
Total fat: 4.4g
Cholesterol: 3mg
Sodium: 41mg
Total carbs: 6.4g
Dietary fibre: 0.7g
Protein: 3.4g
VIEW DETAILED NUTRITION
About: Nutrition Info Powered by: ESHA Nutrient Database
Pour remaining 2 tablespoons oil into wok. When oil is hot, add garlic, remaining tablespoon of ginger, onions, and shrimp; stir-fry until shrimp is cooked through (about 3 minutes).
Stir cooking sauce, pour into wok, and stir until sauce boils and thickens. Season to taste with salt and then pour sauce over cucumbers.
Cooking sauce: Stir together 3 tablespoons of dry sherry or regular-strength chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar, 1 1/2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch (corn flour or potato flour), and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.
www.lpl.arizona.edu/~bcohen/cucumbers/recipes
Five-veggies-a-day plan
Cucumbers are literally cool, with an inner temperature of up to 20 degrees cooler on the inside than room temperature. The coolness is caused by a high-water content, as evidenced in other members of the gourd family such as pumpkin, zucchini, watermelon and squash.
Selection
Choose cucumbers that are firm and smooth, with skin free from blemishes or soft spots.
Nutrition
Cucumbers are rich in potassium, vitamins A, C and K, folic acid, phosphorus, manganese and magnesium. Cucumbers are free from cholesterol and are low in saturated fat and sodium. Cucumbers promote good health and contribute to weight loss.
Health benefits
Cucumbers are known in folk medicine to reduce heat and inflammation, as well as other health benefits. For best effects, keep cucumbers cool in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming soggy. To prevent bitterness, cut off ends and peel the skin.
Instant stress reliever: If you do not have time for a professional massage and you want to relieve your stressors, cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. As a result, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will be released into the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress.
Skin problems can be treated with cucumber, which is diuretic, and cools and cleanses.
A range of illnesses are treated with cucumbers - lung, stomach and chest problems; gout; arthritis and tapeworm infestation. It is recommended that, to reduce heartburn or soothe acid stomach, the person should drink fresh cucumber juice. The same is recommended for persons suffering from gastritis or ulcer to reduce swelling. It is advised to lie back and place a slice of cucumber over closed eyes.
Cucumbers are everyday vegetables. They are versatile as a food item, health enhancer and an all-purpose item for use in the home. Planting your own cucumbers will advance your well-being and help you stay cool, even when times are hard.
www.oohoi.com/natural remedy
Heather Little-White, PhD, is a nutrition and lifestyle consultant in Kingston. Email feedback to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.
EVERYDAY CUCUMBER USES
Shoe polish: Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe and its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine and will repel water.
Prevent squeaks:
Breath freshener: To freshen the breath, press a slice of cucumber to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath.
Cleaning faucets:
Remove pen marks: If you make a mistake while writing, take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use as an eraser. It also applies to crayon or marker blotches on walls.
