Cucumber is one of the basic vegetables of the Mediterranean diet, although its cultivation originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. It is included in a multitude of traditional recipes of Spanish gastronomy, from ratatouille to gazpacho through a stir-fry. In addition to the benefits of eating them, it is an ally for the skin -who has not ever used cucumber slices to reduce dark circles and eye bags-. It contains a large amount of nutrients, from group B vitamins to minerals such as folic acid, calcium, iron or magnesium.
PROPERTIES OF THE CUCUMBER
Cucumber is a very nutritious food because it is low in calories, rich in water, minerals and antioxidants, its consumption being very beneficial for the proper functioning of the body.
FIBER SOURCE
The skin of the cucumber should be used in its entirety since it is very rich in insoluble fiber, like the soft interior part of the cucumber that also provides some soluble fiber that contributes to proper intestinal transit.
VITAMINS
In the cucumber we find vitamins of the B complex and vitamin C. By consuming a medium cucumber a day, 13% of the basic needs of vitamin C and 10% of vitamin B5 are covered. Cucumber also provides vitamin A and small amounts of folates and to a lesser extent thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin E.
In their skin we find a large amount of vitamin K that helps activate the body's proteins for proper functioning.
MINERALS
Cucumber contains calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and potassium, the latter is a mineral that helps the transmissions of the nervous system and is an excellent diuretic and purifier.
LOW IN CALORIES
Cucumber, either with or without the skin, is a low-calorie food, with each slice providing a minimum of 1-2 calories.
TIPS WHEN YOU BUY CUCUMBER
Tips to know how to choose good cucumbers when you are in the supermarket:
- Although they seem strong and resistant thanks to their thick shell, you must touch and observe them very well to bring home the best ones.
- Choose those with dark green skin, without yellow spots or blemishes, check their tips and discard those with dry ends or with a yellowish tone
- Touch them and choose the firmest ones, press on their ends and if they are soft it means that a long time has passed since they were collected.
COLD CUCUMBER SOUP
This cucumber soup recipe couldn't be easier to make!
It's a delicious starter for a spring or summer brunch, and a perfect lunch on a hot summer day.
Enjoy it with a nice piece of crusty bread or focaccia, avocado toast or a simple sandwich.
Ingredients
- 6 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced, reserve a few slices for garnish
• 500 grams of natural whole milk Greek yogurt
• a sprig of fresh basil
• extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of fresh dill
• 1 clove garlic
• ¾ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp honey
• Black pepper
• Fresh mint, dill or chives, to decorate
Instructions
In a blender, combine cucumbers, yogurt, basil, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, honey, and several peppercorns and blend until smooth. Chill for at least 4 hours.
Serve in bowls and garnish with the reserved cucumber slices, fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper.
TZATZIKI
What is tzatziki?
Tzatziki is a dip made from Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and herbs.
Authentic Greek tzatziki is typically made with sheep or goat yogurt, but our tzatziki recipe calls for regular full-fat Greek yogurt. It's easier to find in the store and still has the thick, creamy consistency you want in tzatziki sauce. Along with the other traditional ingredients, add fresh mint and dill for a bright, very, very summery finish.
How to use tzatziki sauce
Once you've made tzatziki sauce, there are endless ways to use it… simply enjoy it as a snack with fresh vegetables and pita or crackers.
Ingredients
- 1 finely grated cucumber
- 500g thickened whole milk Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon minced mint, optional
Instructions
Place the grated cucumber on a kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze gently to remove excess water.
In a medium bowl, combine cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, dill, and mint, optional. Leave it 2h in the fridge.
Accompany it with pita bread, raw vegetables in sticks with carrots, celery or cucumber.
and to enjoy!!
https://www.cuerpomente.com/guia-alimentos/pepino
https://www.recetasnestlecam.com/escuela-sabor/ingredientes/todo-sobre-pepino
https://www.loveandlemons.com/tzatziki-sauce/
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