Why Cucumbers Are So Special

 

One of the things I did during SIP was to put in a veggie garden. And I think when it comes to plants, I am a bit of a hoarder. Truly. Which is why I put in more cucumber plants than any human needs.

I just had to have some to pickle. And some to slice and eat. Lemon cukes are always fun. And I like variety. So, I have 4. Some sprouted more than one plant; I don’t even know how many I actually have.

So far, I’ve made cucumber salad several times (trying new recipes each time), pickled half sours, made lots of green juice, and given away as much as I possibly can.

Some of my favorite aspects of cucumbers are:

They are particularly cooling. Some foods are “warming,” and some are “cooling.” Cukes are cooling, which means they will help you feel cool, and are a great choice in particularly hot weather.

They are high in Silica. Silica is the beauty mineral, a trace mineral that contributes to that strength of our connective tissue. Connective tissue is what holds our body together. It includes the inter-cellular cement, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone.

They are a great addition to nearly any vegetable juice. They are very juicy, low in sugar, and neutral tasting. This makes them an exceptional addition to cut the overall sugar content of juices than can be to concentrated otherwise.

They make a great, light, crisp side dish. In just a few minutes, with the addition of just a few easy to keep on hand condiments, you can have a tasty, nutritious accompaniment to just about any meal.

 

Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups thinly sliced cucumbers (Japanese, Armenian, English, or regular)
• ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (optional)
• 1-2 teaspoons sugar (less honey if using honey)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Instructions:

• If using English or regular cucumbers, they need to be partially peeled. Cut lengthwise, seed and slice into thin half-moons.
• In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, salt and pepper (optional), mix well.
• Add sugar (or honey), soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and sesame oil and mix well.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and mix.
• Let marinate for 20 minutes before serving.
• Adjust seasonings before serving.

Enjoy!