Cucumber
Cucumbers are made up of 95 percent water, making them an ideal hydrating and cooling food. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in fiber, which makes them useful for both weight loss and digestive health.
BUY IT
Look for cucumbers that are firm and well shaped with a dark green color. Cucumbers should be heavy for their size. However, you should avoid: cucumbers that are soft and light for their size or have shriveled ends. Oddly shaped cucumbers could taste bitter.
ADD IT
Purchase a pickle mix at your grocery store (look for the "refrigerator" type). Slice up the cucumbers and add the mix and other ingredients into mason jars. It's really easy!
Another of the cucumber's amazing attributes is that it acts as a diuretic. The next time you feel bloated, wash—but don't peel—and slice a cucumber. Add the slices to a pitcher of ice water and drink it down.
This Greek fave is perfect for gyros, pitas, veggies or pretty much anything else you want to dip or top. Mix 1/4 cup peeled, grated cucumber with a cup of plain yogurt. Stir in a heaping teaspoon of minced onion and a dash each of salt and pepper. Store in the fridge for up to two days.
You have had fried zucchini, maybe even fried green tomatoes, why not fried cucumber slices? Peel and slice a couple. Dredge them in cornmeal and fry until golden brown. Delicious!
PREP IT
Cut only the amount of cucumber that you are going to use immediately with a sharp knife. The left-over cucumber will keep for longer if you leave it whole.
Tear off a piece of plastic wrap and place it over and around the cut end of the cucumber. Smooth the plastic wrap over the cut end so that there are no gaps or air bubbles between the plastic and the cucumber, and secure the wrap tightly around the sides of the cucumber. The wrap will stick to itself better than it will stick to the cucumber skin, so overlap the plastic for a tight seal.
