Recently I told you how to store strawberries when you get home to keep them fresh and enjoy them to the fullest. Well today it’s the cucumber’s turn (scientific name Cucumis sativus), that low‑calorie food with many health benefits that we often relegated to a secondary spot despite being rich in vitamin C, providing B vitamins, being a source of essential minerals and also high in potassium.
As healthy as it seems (and it is), before enjoying its flavour it is essential to remove any dirt as well as pesticides that cling to its waxy skin. In fact, if you have the chance, the ideal is to buy organic cucumbers to avoid those chemical residues.
How to wash cucumbers
First, you must choose cucumbers that look good and have no soft spots. It is essential to wash them with running water for at least a minute just before consuming them; if you are not going to use them immediately but do not want to store dirty, you should dry them very well to prevent bacterial growth.
As you rinse them, it is important to rub them with your hands to remove dirt, soil or dust. Another measure, recommended by dietitian Debbie Petitpain, spokesperson for the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is to use a soft-bristled brush to complete and facilitate the cleaning task. Could you clean them with another remedy? Yes, with bicarbonate of soda, as it helps break down some pesticide residues.
To do this, first clean it and then soak it in a basin with as many teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda as there are cups of water you add. You should leave it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes but it is worth it. Then rinse it well with water so there is no dirt or bicarbonate left.
On the other hand, if you also want to remove that bitter taste some varieties have, once you have cut it you should leave it soaking in cold water and salt for at least 30 minutes, the same trick you would use for an aubergine. Then rinse well, dry, and serve as you usually would.
Some cucumber recipes you can try
Once you have the cucumber nicely cleaned, the next step is to prepare it and make the most of it by using it in refreshing and delicious recipes such as, for example, cucumber juice which you can make with or without a blender. Easy peasy!
Another equally refreshing idea is cucumber and lemon soup, to which you can also add yogurt and enjoy a combination exceptionally refreshing and hydrating. A cold soup that can serve as an alternative to gazpacho when you want to vary your summer menus.
In case you aren’t aware, sunomono is the light, crunchy Japanese cucumber salad that you can have as a starter or as a side dish. It usually contains cucumber and seaweed and a simple vinaigrette based on rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce and salt. Delicious as well!
If you found this article interesting and would like more on healthy living, join the Cuerpomente WhatsApp channel.
