Woodlands Farm
Vegetable Profiles
This weeks box
Cucumber
Storage
Store wrapped in the fridge.
Unsuitable for freezing.
Nutrition
A good source of silicon which is an essential component for healthy connective tissue. The green skin is a good source of antioxidants. The vitamin C and caffeic acid in the flesh is said to soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling.
Preparation and cooking
Wipe or wash the cucumber, peel if desired. Cucumber is usually served as a salad vegetable but makes good soup to serve either hot or chilled. Try making a dressing of sour cream, dill, sugar and lemon juice with thinly sliced peeled cucumber for a Polish salad. Grated cucumber and natural yoghurt is a traditional accompaniment to curry. Cucumbers are also excellent pickled.