We have an abundance of juicy cucumbers at the moment and we thought this was the perfect opportunity to share five of our favourite ways to use these beauties!
1. Store them Correctly
With a very high water content, cucumbers tend to have a shorter life. They are best stored after being dried, unpeeled in your refrigerator's crisper drawer. Make sure you check in on them and wipe them down if you notice they are wet. Cucumbers should never be stored at room temperature as they will become soft and limp.
2. Make them go Further
If you notice your cucumbers have gone a little soft, revitalise them by cutting off one end and placing them in a bowl of cold water.
3. Pickle them
Who knew pickling cucumbers was so easy! There are a few recipes we love, but when you are short on time and need something fast all you need to do is simply slice your cucumbers, cover in salt and let sit for 20 minutes - you have the perfect accompaniment to Poke Bowls, hamburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, salads, or simply as a snack.
4. Get Dipping!
Dips are versatile and can be prepared ahead and stored for any unexpected family or friend drop-ins. A couple of our favourite cucumber dips include:
Tzatziki - A real crowd pleaser, super refreshing and good for you! Serve with pita, crunchy vegetable sticks or just eat it with a spoon!
INGREDIENTS
- 1½ cups plain 2% Greek yogurt or plain coconut yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, seeded, coarsely grated and squeezed as dry as possible (about 1 cup)
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Scant ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
METHOD
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (I often add a generous pinch of sugar to balance the flavors). Cover and chill until ready to serve. Before serving, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with fresh mint, if desired.
Raita - Spice up your sides and charcuterie game
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup cucumber (chopped)
- 1/12 cup plain, dairy or coconut works well
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp roasted ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves (finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
- 4-5 mint leaves (optional)
METHOD
- Prepare by rinsing cucumber and chopping into tiny bite sized pieces about 1/2 - 1 cm. Finely chop coriander and mint.
- Mix chopped cucumber, coriander, mint and salt into chilled yogurt in a large mixing bowl
- Add spices and adjust to taste.
- Serve with your favourite Indian dishes or as a dip on your charcuterie board!
5. Drink and Refresh!
Cucumbers are 95% water, which makes them a naturally refreshing and hydrating snack. If you want to take your refreshments to the next level these following combos have you covered.
- Soda/mineral water with cucumber, mint, lime and ginger - tastes like summer.
- Simply add 3 slices of cucumber and a squeeze of lemon in your water bottle
- Cucumber and watermelon juice with a splash of mint
- Soda water, cucumber slices, dried orange slice and a sprig of rosemary
- Need something a little stronger? The above also pair perfectly with a dry gin.
