You’ve likely heard of ancient grains – how about ancient vegetables? Cucumbers are just that – people have loved them for centuries. Cukes also are a powerhouse of nutrition. Here are some more tidbits about cucumbers.
History and Origins
- Cucumbers come from India and Southeast Asia. Cave paintings 3,000 years old show them and they’re mentioned in the Bible (Numbers 11:5; Isaiah 1:8).
- Societies from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome enjoyed them.
- Explorers brought cucumbers to North America in the late 1400s; they spread widely and grew faster and larger than their European counterparts.
- The expression “cool as a cucumber” can be traced to a 1615 poem. It’s also true: the temperature inside a cucumber is about 20 degrees F lower than its skin temp.
Nutritional Information for Cucumbers
- Since 96% of a cucumber is water, it’s considered a hydrating food. It’s also rich in fiber, making it a great food for GI health and regularity.
- Vitamins A, C, K and B6 are abundant in cucumbers; they’re also good source of antioxidants.
- Cukes can cause burping. Some say cutting the root end and skin off will reduce this, it’s actually the seeds that cause the gas buildup. (They’re also the most nutrient-rich part of the fruit.)
- Putting cucumbers, like putting lemons, in water adds nutrients, but lemon water has more.
- Cucumbers are known to lower glucose levels and reduce inflammation.
- As part of the Cucurbitaceae family, cukes have antioxidant properties and can also help control and prevent diabetes.
- Try making homemade refrigerator pickles and enjoy their probiotic attributes.
- A typical American consumes about nine pounds of cucumbers (as pickles) each year.
Cucumbers Are Easy to Grow
- Like tomatoes, they’re not a vegetable.
- They can go from seed to fruit-bearing in just 50-70 days.
- Cucumbers grow well hydroponically. In gardens, they prefer hot weather, direct sunlight and lots of water. Their leaves shield the growing fruit.
- The plants climb well, so fences, a trellis or cages (like tomatoes) work great for space-saving.
- A trellis can also help keep fungal infection away. Neem oil is a good organic spray for bugs eating leaves.
- Cucumbers are very “frost tender” so later in May is best time to plant.
- Slicing or pickling cucumbers are among the types; pickling ones are smaller, have little bumps or spines and a drier skin.
Recipes to Try
Get More Veggie Facts
Cami Jacobsen RD, LD, Avera Medical Group Comprehensive Weight Management and Master Gardener, contributed to this story.
