*Cucumber is a vegetable of the plant, Cucumis sativus of the gourd family Cucurbitaceae, believed to have been originated in India.

*The color ranges from creamy yellow to pale green to dark green with smooth or ridged skin.

*The taste also varies from sweet to mild melony to cool and watery to bitter.

*Different varieties of cucumbers available are –

(a) English cucumbers -seedless varieties with a very delicate skin that can grow as long as up to 2 feet.

(b) Japanese cucumbers -dark green and slender with a mild taste and a bumpy rigid skin.

(c) Mediterranean cucumbers -smooth and seedless with a mild taste.

(d) Slicers – longer and smoother with a more uniform color and a tougher skin.

(e) Indian cucumbers – Round with yellow skin and a mildly sweet taste.

*Buying and storage: Select firm, evenly colored medium to dark green cucumbers with rounded edges that are displayed in the refrigerator. They are very heat sensitive. Keep well for up to a week when stored in the refrigerator. Cannot be frozen, when the temperature is too low, they become translucent and soggy and cannot be eaten.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, fresh cucumbers can be sliced and eaten raw, or made into juice.
*No, because pickled cucumbers are not raw.

1. Cucumbers are very low in calories, have minimal amounts of fats and no cholesterol.

2. Have a very high water content and are know to have diuretic properties, and thus help in improving the kidney and bladder diseases. Eating cucumbers regularly in summer months prevents dehydration.

3. Contains ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and caffeic acid, so when applied topically, it soothes skin irritations, sunburns, reduces inflammation and rehydrates dry skin.

4. Good source of silica, which is found in connective tissues like muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone. Regular consumption of cucumber improves the health and complexion of skin, and healthy hair.

5. Moderate source of Vitamin C, a natural water soluble antioxidant. It enhances the body's immune system, increases the elasticity of skin and blood vessels, and prevents bruising of the skin.

6. Moderate source of folic acid and Vitamins A, which are essential for maintaining a healthy heart and eye sight.

7. Good source of potassium and very low in sodium. This helps in lowering the blood pressure.

8. Good source of other minerals like calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and manganese, which play a very important role in maintaining proper metabolic activities of the body.

9. Very good source of dietary fiber. It adds roughage to the contents of the intestines, promotes satiety, promotes the health of the colon, and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders, etc.

10. Raw cucumber juice also soothes heart burn and acidity, also helps to control the eczema, arthritis, and gout.