cucumber 🥒

origin:

cucumbers seem to be the most dutch vegetable one can think of but that is actually not true: they originated a long time ago in india and have been eaten for over 3000 years. cucumbers also only practically count as vegetables. as they grow from flowers and contain the seeds of a plant, they are technically a fruit. cucumbers are part of the gourd family which also counts zucchini, squash and pumpkin. in europe cucumbers mostly grow in greenhouses, hanging from the ceiling like grapes. however, in the countries they originated from, they can also be found growing in the wild where they will grow much more like strawberries: on smaller plants, laying on the ground.

properties:

cucumbers may be the vegetable with the highest water (96%) and the lowest calorie content (10 grams per 100 grams). they further contain mostly carbohydrates, then protein and then very little fat. because they contain so much water and little of everything else, cucumbers may lack a bit in the vitamin and mineral department. that is, if you eat just a little of it. however, would you be eating a full size cucumber, you would get the most vitamin C, b6, potassium, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus. 

benefits:

although their nutritional value per 100 grams is quite low, cucumbers are still very healthy to eat. their high antioxidant and water amount make them great foods for healthy looking skin. they can also add volume to a meal without adding many calories which can help you lose weight. as cucumber contain the combination of water and fibre they are also great foods for digestion and improve the regularity of the bowel movement.

use:

cucumbers are mostly used in salads, but this salad vegetable is capable of so much more. a cold cucumber soup served with some feta and mint leaves works great on warm summer days. Paired with melon it forms a healthy, hydrating snack. and do not forget the pickled version of the cucumber which adds a special salty taste to each meal and works great on burgers or in pasta salads.

looking for more? just come by and visit our vegan restaurants in the city centre of groningen and hamburg. we offer fresh, healthy, and delicious vegan bowls, salads and juices for pickup and delivery!