Availability: All year around
What to look out for
When choosing a cucumber, make sure its colour is a pure green with no yellow spots. Signs of wrinkles, shrinkage or black stains can indicate the cucumber is already overripe. Also, overripe cucumber will naturally have a very funky smell, so reject any cucumbers that don’t smell well.
Storage
Store the cucumber away from avocados, bananas, tomatoes and melons, as these type of fruits and vegetables release a natural gas called ethylene, that will make the cucumber ripen faster than usual.
Fridge: Cucumbers should be stored in the fridge in the vegetable drawer with the plastic wrap it was purchased in. The plastic wrap will help to make the cucumber last up to 1 one week in the fridge. If you bought it without the wrapping, just place the cucumber inside an airtight container that it can last up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Cucumber can be frozen up to 6-9 months and it does not need to be blanched. Wash and clean well the whole cucumber, slice it into thin rounds and line them over a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the whole tray into the freezer for a few hours. Once completely frozen, place the cucumber slices into a freezer bag.
Benefits
High in Nutrients
Eating cucumber with its skin is very beneficial since it is packed with many important vitamins and mineral, such as vitamin K, Potassium, Magnesium, and Manganese.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cucumber contains several antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which may help to prevent the accumulation of dangerous free radicals inside our body. Also, these same anti-inflammatory components can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Helps with Hydration
Cucumbers are basically bursts of water trapped inside a green coloured vegetable. It contains up to 96% water, which may help increase hydration and hit the daily fluid needs.
May Lower Blood Sugar
Recent studies in animals have pointed out that cucumbers may have properties that can help to lower the sugar inside the blood and prevent diabetes-related complications.
Can Aid in Weight Loss
Cucumber possesses features that may help in the weight loss process since it is a vegetable that is very low in calories, high in fibre and water, and can be used in so many different ways without the need to cook.