Plot 19 have a glut of cucumbers. so it’s a good time to make them into recipes for food and body and savour them for months to come.

Is it a fruit or is it a veg?

Before we go any further, let’s clear this one up. Botanically, a cucumber is classified as a fruit. This is because it contains tiny seeds in the middle and grows from the flower of the cucumber plant. But most of us recognise it as a vegetable.

Cucumbers are a member of the cucurbitaceae family (gourd family) which also includes courgettes, squash, melons, and pumpkins.

Cucumbers in history

The cucumber is one of the most ancient vegetables. It originated in India over 4000 years ago. It was extremely popular in the Roman Empire with Emperor Tiberius (14 – 16 AD) demanding cucumber to eat every day of the year.

Cucumbers arrived in England in 14th century but were not popular. They returned with more success in the mid-17th century. In the US, about the same time, a medical prejudice against uncooked fruit and vegetables meant that the cucumber fell out of favour.

Nowadays, cucumbers are used all around the world.

Growing cucumbers

Cucumbers are a fast-growing crop. They like fertile soil and warm temperatures. They do not tolerate frost. The main care requirement is consistent and generous watering (they need at least an inch of water a week (more, if it’s particularly hot) and they can become bitter if the watering is inconsistent. So, thanks to Team 19 & 20 for their efforts here.

In the UK, cucumber production is concentrated in parts of the North East and South East of England.

Cucumbers for health

Cucumbers are nutritious. They are low in calories and high in fibre and, at 96% water, cucumbers can help keep you hydrated. Cucumbers aren’t a stand out source of vitamins and minerals but they wins with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

As well as taking their nourishment internally through food and drink, you can use cucumbers to soothe your skin. Place cucumber slices on your closed eyes to cool the sensitive skin around the eyes and reduce puffiness. Or try this recipe for a cucumber face mask:

  • Mash up half a cucumber in a blender or with a fork. It’s fine as it is but, to ring the changes, add a tablespoon of natural yogurt or a tablespoon of oats and another of honey.
  • Spread over your face and neck and leave for 15 mins.
  • Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Cooking with cucumbers

A raw cucumber lasts about a week in the fridge but you can make the most of a glut by cooking the cucumbers. Try these ideas.

Cucumber relish. This US recipe is for a classic sweet pickle that goes with most foods. https://www.food.com/recipe/cucumber-relish-11147. (You’ll find this conversion chart from US cups to UK grams handy.)

Cucumber pickle. This keeper is especially good with a strong, hard cheese or with cold meats https://www.riverford.co.uk/recipes/cucumber-pickle

Cucumber soup. This pretty green soup works equally well warm or chilled. https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/soups/late-summer-cucumber-soup

Cucumber ice cubes. Slice cucumber thinly into an ice cube tray before you fill it with water. (You could also add some mint from the HCF Herb Garden.) Use the cucumber ice cubes to add a refreshing flavour to summer drinks.

Find lots more recipes for cucumbers here. Which is your favourite?