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Cucumber

Cucumbers are a popular and versatile vegetable belonging to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. They are known for their mild, refreshing taste and high water content, which makes them a popular choice for salads, garnishes, and side dishes. Cucumbers are commonly found in two main varieties – slicing cucumbers for eating fresh and pickling cucumbers for preserving. In addition to their culinary uses, cucumbers provide numerous health benefits, such as hydration, aiding digestion, and promoting skin health. They can be easily grown at home and incorporated into various recipes, making them a staple in kitchens worldwide.
#8
IN FRESH VEGETABLES
15
CAL / 100G
$0.05
AVG / OZ
cucumber
83%
CARBS
3%
FAT
15%
PROTEIN
Cucumber FAQ
Cucumbers, while reasonably simple to handle, can sometimes pose a few challenges to cooks, especially beginners. The most common mistake is peeling off their skin completely. While this might be an aesthetic choice for certain dishes, you will be missing out on much of its nutrient content, which primarily resides in the skin. A good compromise is to peel them in streaks or stripes, leaving some portions unpeeled. Also, cucumbers can become watery or soggy in certain recipes, particularly salads. To avoid this, you can deseed the cucumber or let the thinly sliced cucumber sit with a hint of salt, then drain off the excess water. This can help maintain the crispiness of the cucumber without diluting the other flavors in your dish. When shopping for cucumbers, look for firm ones with vibrant green skin. Avoid those with blemishes, shrivels, or soft spots. To get the most out of your cucumbers, consider using them beyond salads: they make a refreshing addition to smoothies, can be pickled for longer shelf life, or pureed into cold soups. Little known tips? Keep cucumbers away from tomatoes, apples, and melons as these fruits release a ripening agent that can cause cucumbers to yellow and become bitter. Also, while most people discard the seeds and scoop out the soft center, they are edible and just as flavorful, so don't hesitate to include them in your dish if the texture doesn't bother you.
Do I always need to peel cucumbers for my dish?
Why are my cucumbers bitter?
How to make cucumber less watery in salads?
Does cucumber need to be cooked?
What other dishes can include cucumber?
Are cucumber seeds edible?
Why should cucumbers be kept away from certain fruits?
How can I tell if a cucumber is good to eat?
What is the best way to cut cucumbers for salads?
Where can I incorporate the leftover cucumber skin and seeds?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does cucumber expire?
Unopened cucumbers can last up to a week in the refrigerator. If it's been partially used, you can expect it to be good for 1-2 days. When you cut a cucumber, you expose it to air and bacteria, which can cause it to spoil more quickly. If it's been peeled or cut, use within one day for the best quality. Unlike many vegetables, cucumbers don't react well to freezing due to their high water content, so they are best used fresh.
How do you tell if cucumber is bad?
To tell if a cucumber has gone bad, check its appearance and texture. A spoiled cucumber may develop moist and dark areas on its skin. Usually, the skin will be visibly wrinkled or shriveled and the color may change. A bad cucumber may also feel mushy or slimy to the touch. If a cucumber smells sour or unpleasant, it's likely past its prime. Cut cucumbers may turn translucent or jelly-like, which indicates that they've become spoiled.
Tips for storing cucumber to extend shelf life
• Store cucumbers in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for optimal freshness. This area maintains the right balance of humidity which cucumbers require. • To extend the life of a partial cucumber, cover the cut end with a plastic wrap before returning it to the fridge. This limits the exposure to air, slowing the spoilage process. • Do not wash cucumbers until you are ready to use them, as the moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly. • If you have a large number of cucumbers, consider pickling them. Pickled cucumbers can last for several months in the refrigerator.
EXPIRES WITHIN
8 - 15
DAYS
Health Info
Macros
10g
CARBS
0g
FAT
1g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
KETO
PALEO
WHOLE 30
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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