Cucumbers are a fantastic spring/summer vegetable. They originate from India, where they have been cultivated for at least 3000 years. It is extremely healthy, having a 95% water content as well as high amounts of vitamin K,C, potassium and magnesium. It is a rich antioxidant and is anti-inflammatory. Culinary uses include salads, drinks, dips and smoothies.
How to grow?
Sow two seeds every 30cm direct in ground, or in punnets and transplant later. They are not frost tolerant so need a sunny location. It is best to grow them up a trellis up to 1.5m high. It is good to add compost before planting. If growing in pots use pots 40mm wide and deep. Keep the soil moist and the seeds should germinate in 6-10 days. Mulch, tie stems as they grow. Keep watering and pick as you like them. You can pick them at different sizes ie. Small for pickling(5-10cm), lebanese (10cm), burpless (20cm) etc.
Asian cucumber salad
• 700g cucumber
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 spring onions
• 1tsp ginger
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 1tbs soy sauce
• 1tbs sesame oil
• 1tbs honey or maple syrup
• 1-2 tbs sesame seeds
Thinly slice cucumbers. Put in bowl, toss with salt to remove moisture. Rest while get other ingredients. Strain without rinsing and put in bowl with spring onion, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and honey or maple syrup. Combine, check for flavour, can add chilli if needed. Refrigerate and serve.
Cucumber lime spritzer Mocktail
5 cucumber slices
20g lime juice
5 mint leaves
½ cup ginger beer, soda water or sparkling water
a little bit extra cucumber slices, mint and lime for garnish.
- Place the cucumber and mint and lime in glass in bowl and press with spoon to release juices.
- Strain liquid and pour into glass with ice, or just pour mixture into glass with ice.
- Pour ginger beer, soda water or sparkling water into glass.
- Garnish with extra cucumber or mint or lime.
- Enjoy.
Post a comment