Cucumbers! Summer All Wrapped Up.

May is the start of summer, and it certainly looks like it today. It’s sunny, and there is a little heat out there. So I thought, this morning I would turn my attention to the humble cucumber. In season at this time of year and has many many uses, from cucumber water (which happens to be the worlds most popular detox drink) to using it in salads, relishes and more.

My advice on storing cucumbers is never store them in the fridge and here is why. Cucumber enjoys room temperature, so fridge is not a suitable place for preserving it. You will often see damaged skin on cucumber after bringing out of refrigerator. In fact, cool temperature speeds up the decaying of cucumber’s skin, so find a dry and cool place at room temperature for your cucumber and be worry-free with it for a few days.

Cucumbers are full of potassium and anti-ageing properties. For me cucumbers is summer all wrapped up. They can be added to drinks or making a raita to have alongside a curry.

Cucumbers are one of the most underrated ingredients around, even though they have so many health benefits.

They’re made up of mostly water, which makes them a perfect component of a cooling detox drink.

They’re really low in calories and high in fibre, which makes them a great addition to your diet during weight loss because they’ll fill you up and help you feel more satisfied.

Among its many health benefits, cucumbers are a great source of vitamin B, rich in potassium and magnesium (which may help to lower blood pressure), and have even been known to fight cancer.

They contain an anti-inflammatory flavanol called “fisetin” which studies have shown to help improve brain health.

Cucumbers are a know antioxidant, and also contain polyphenols called lignin’s, which may help to lower your risk of certain types of cancer including ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer.

Is cucumber a fruit? Yes. Cucumbers are part of a gourd plant family called Cucurbitaceous and are considered a “cylindrical fruit”. They grow on vines and come in three main varieties: slicing, pickling, and burpless.