For Better Living: Enjoy Fresh Cucumbers

By: Sandra Cain

From June through September, you can enjoy the freshness and flavor of delicious locally grown cucumbers that have been picked at their peak. Slicing and pickling cucumbers are the most commonly grown. The cucumber is a member of the gourd family and originated thousands of years ago in either India or Thailand. The Spaniards introduced the cucumber to the Native Americans. The phrase “cool as a cucumber” came about because the cucumber’s interior flesh is 20 degrees cooler than the outside air temperature on a hot summer’s day, making it cool to eat.

Nutrition Facts

Cucumbers are naturally high in water and are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium.  One-half cup of sliced cucumbers has only seven calories.  Since most of the fiber and a small amount of beta-carotene are present in the cucumber skin, you may choose to leave cucumbers unpeeled. The calorie and sodium content of pickled cucumbers depends on the pickling method.

Selection

Choose firm, fully green cucumbers with no yellowing or soft spots. Slicing cucumbers that are 6 to 9 inches in length are well-suited for eating.

The small white spines on the surface rub off easily. One- to 4-inch cucumbers are preferred for pickling. Pickling cucumbers have small black spines on the surface. The varieties that are used for pickling are less prone to bloating or developing a hollow interior during the pickling process.

Storage

Cucumbers should be harvested early in the morning. They may be refrigerated, unwashed, in a moisture-proof bag for up to 1 week. Sliced cucumbers should be tightly wrapped, refrigerated, and used within 3 days. Pickling cucumbers should be used immediately.

Preparation

Cucumbers are inexpensive in season and lend themselves to both hot and cold dishes. Always wash fresh cucumbers in cool running water, wiping off visible signs of dirt. Cucumbers are normally eaten when they are immature and the seeds are edible and surrounded by a mild, crisp flesh. As a cucumber matures, the seeds grow larger and more bitter, so the seeds of older cucumbers need to be removed. Simply slice the cucumber lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. For pickling, follow your recipe instructions. Three to 4 pounds of cucumbers will yield about 5 to 6 pints of pickles.

Soak cucumbers in salt water for use in salads. This prevents the cucumbers from losing their water content, which will dilute salad dressing. Cucumbers have a natural affinity for dill, mint, and parsley, so these herbs make good flavorings.

Cucumber Salad

2 medium cucumbers, peeled, halved, seeded and sliced
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange peel

Place cucumbers in a bowl.  In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and oil.  Add the parsley, sugar and orange peel.  Pour over cucumbers.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, stirring several times.  Yield:  3 servings

Pickled Cucumbers

2 cucumbers
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon ginger
2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Rinse and peel cucumbers. Cut in half lengthwise and remove seeds with a spoon.

Slice cucumbers thinly. Put cucumbers in a bowl with salt. Mix and let stand in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Drain and squeeze out moisture. In a skillet, mix together vinegar, sugar, ginger, and sesame seeds, and bring to a boil. Pour over cucumber slices. Refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.  Store in refrigerator.

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