Cucumber - healthy vegetable with a subtle nature. It consists of 97% water, the properties of which are successfully used by cosmetologists, cooks and devotees proper nutrition. Garden dweller is beneficial for the body, but can also cause harm to human health.
Characteristics and composition
Cucumber is one of the most popular vegetables in the world. It has been cultivated for food for more than 6 thousand years. Today, a representative of the Pumpkin family is grown on almost all continents. The cucumber arrived on the territory of modern Russia around the 16th century. It has taken root well in the climate of the middle zone and southern regions. The light and pleasant-tasting vegetable won culinary honors wherever it appeared.
There is an opinion that fresh cucumber cannot be too healthy, since it consists almost entirely of water. In fact, one 100-gram fruit contains approximately 15 kcal, 0.8 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat, 2.5-2.8 carbohydrates.
Cucumber is good for both children and adults
Cucumbers contain potassium, phosphorus, chlorine, calcium, and magnesium in fairly large quantities. There are other macro- and microelements, vitamins, saccharides. The remaining 97-98% is water. The bulk of the beneficial properties of the vegetable are associated with it, but not all.
Attention! One of the characteristic properties of cucumber is its neutral interaction with allergens. It is suitable for almost all people who are allergic to a particular substance.
Useful properties of cucumber
Fresh cucumber has many beneficial properties for human body.
- The fruit is an excellent moisturizer. The abundance of water in the composition is supported by the properties of potassium to positively influence the supply of moisture to organs and tissues.
- Cucumber has a mild and persistent diuretic effect, which helps get rid of swelling and excess fat in the body tissues.
- The vegetable is a natural absorbent. It actively removes poisons and other harmful substances during intoxication.
- Tatronic acids, which are contained in cucumber, process carbohydrates and prevent the accumulation of fat mass in the body. This property is actively used by nutritionists. In addition, with a minimum of calories, cucumber can stretch the abdominal walls and cause a feeling of fullness, which is very useful during diets.
- The salts in cucumber even out the acid-base balance and metabolic process, neutralize and remove excess acidic compounds from the body. Therefore the vegetable is an excellent remedy against kidney stones.
- The fruits contain a large amount of fiber. According to this indicator, cucumbers are the leaders among vegetables. Therefore, they have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and circulatory system, and prevent the appearance of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels.
- Iodine in vegetables has a beneficial effect on activity thyroid gland.
- The vegetable breaks down sucrose.
- Tender alimentary fiber cucumbers cleanse the intestines, favorably affecting their motility and peristalsis.
- Cucumber is rich in vitamin C. This helps strengthen the immune system.
Attention! It has been scientifically proven that small vegetables contain the most vitamin C.
The use of cucumbers in cosmetology
The cosmetic properties of cucumber have long been proven and tested in practice. Women actively use the vegetable to maintain good skin condition, keep it youthful and fresh. Ladies use decoctions, infusions, masks. The latter are perhaps the most popular in home cosmetology.
Cucumber is actively used in cosmetology
Fruits cut into rings have the following effect on the skin:
- moisturize;
- relieve swelling;
- smooth out wrinkles;
- draw out harmful substances, cleanse dirt;
- fight inflammation;
- whitens and improves complexion;
- relieve swelling from tired eyes.
Harmful properties of cucumbers
The watery base of the cucumber at the same time as its usefulness is very vulnerable. It can accumulate harmful substances. Early or out-of-season cucumbers are likely to use artificial stimulants or pesticides and may be harmful to the human body. Doctors categorically do not recommend buying such vegetables. Risks: poisoning, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys. Nitrates may not make themselves felt immediately, but they will remain in your body for quite a long time, waiting to be replenished to a critical amount.
Other negative aspects of cucumber:
- Harmful for people who are not advised to drink excess water. For example, in case of kidney pathologies, vegetables are limited to 100 g per day.
- Dangerous due to excessive stretching of the stomach. For those who want to lose weight, this can have the opposite effect: increasing appetite instead of dulling it.
- Has restrictions for people suffering from stomach ulcers or gastritis.
Pickles
Features of the effects of pickled cucumbers on the body
This vegetable is actively harvested and canned. As part of pickles, the properties of cucumber change somewhat:
- Pickled cucumbers are contraindicated for people suffering from atherosclerosis, hypertension and liver dysfunction. It is also undesirable for pregnant women to eat them.
- It is better to limit pickles in the diet of people with diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- It is better not to eat cucumbers with any degree of saltiness if you have kidney disease, hepatitis and other liver diseases, obesity and other metabolic disorders.
Pickled cucumbers are just as healthy as fresh ones. They contain a lot of water, the same microelements and vitamins. However pickles warm up the appetite. In general, the popular vegetable has a lot of useful properties, while the negative ones are mainly associated with growing technology.
The size of the stem of such a plant ranges from 1 to 2 meters. The cucumber has special antennae with which it is attached to the ground or other support. The flowers are small and yellow. Mostly unripe, green fruits are eaten, but there are also lovers of ripe cucumbers. It is usually large in size and has a characteristic yellow color. Cucumbers began to be eaten more than 6,000 years ago. India is considered the birthplace of this culture. There, cucumbers grow on trees, in the forest, like vines.
In our century, various hybrids began to be bred. Varieties appeared that grow like shrubs. Some of the new varieties do not have seeds.
Varieties of cucumbers
By variety, cucumbers are divided into:
- Pickling - have a dark green color and black thorns. The skin of these species is more dense.
- Salad cucumbers are smooth to the touch and have a softer peel. Cucumber has a sweetish taste without bitterness.
- Winter - these varieties take a long time to ripen. The color can be any. The length of such cucumbers ranges from 15 to 35 centimeters. Large, smooth varieties with white thorns tend to be more popular in winter.
- Summer varieties - these varieties are smaller in size than winter ones. They usually grow 6-20 centimeters long. Such cucumbers ripen faster and have better taste qualities.
- Bundles are a very popular variety of cucumber. It is characterized by high fertility - about 8 ovaries are formed on one branch. Such varieties, as a rule, have gherkin fruits. Very good for pickling.
- Shade-tolerant - it is often better to plant summer cucumbers in a sunny garden bed, with the exception of this type, which feels great in the shade.
- Early ripening - this type is suitable for those who want to get a harvest as quickly as possible. On average, such a cucumber ripens from 45 to 50 days.
- With a long ripening period - the ripening period of this cucumber is more than 50 days. They have excellent taste.
- Cold-resistant - a very unpretentious type of cucumber. Tolerates various temperature fluctuations. Drought resistant.
- Bee-pollinated - in order to reap the best harvest, barren flowers are sown along with ordinary seeds, then pollination by insects will be of higher quality and, accordingly, there will be a rich harvest.
- Parthenocarpic - this type of cucumber is most suitable for growing in greenhouses, although it can also be grown in beds. This plant does not require pollination by bees.
Chemical composition and nutritional value of cucumber
Chemical composition Fresh cucumber is quite rich. This product is considered extremely beneficial for the human body. Cucumber contains carotene and vitamins:
- IN 1 ;
- AT 2 ;
- B 9 (folic acid)
The fruits are also rich in the following microelements:
- iron;
- phosphorus;
- potassium
- sodium;
- manganese;
- chlorine;
- chromium;
- copper;
- zinc;
- silver.
The peel of this fruit contains a lot of fiber. The composition of a cucumber can vary greatly depending on where it grows and the soil.
Nutritional value of fresh cucumber per 100 grams:
- proteins - 0.8 g;
- fats - 0.1 g;
- carbohydrates - 2.5 g;
- energy value - 14 kcal.
Beneficial features
This fruit can be safely classified as dietary. A lot of people love cucumbers. The composition of this product is ideal for those who want to lose weight. This can be done easily using a cucumber. It can be found in many diets. The composition of cucumber consists of almost only water - 95-98%. The remaining 2-5 percent is occupied by useful substances. Cucumber has a positive effect on the human body:
- Reduces the risk of stones in the kidneys and liver.
- Has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels.
- Improves the functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Has a laxative effect.
- Reduces swelling due to the fact that it can remove excess fluid from the body.
- Slightly reduces blood pressure.
- Cucumber seeds can cleanse the body of cholesterol.
- Has a rejuvenating effect.
- Improves skin color and maintains its tone.
- It has a beneficial effect on the health of teeth and gums.
- Has a slight analgesic effect.
- In folk medicine it is used as a remedy for old coughs.
Contraindications
Despite their useful qualities, this product still has contraindications. Who is contraindicated for cucumber? The composition of the product is such that it primarily acts as a powerful cleanser. This is contraindicated for people:
- With kidney failure.
- With acute hepatitis.
- With exacerbation of gastritis, colitis.
- For dyskinesia of the biliary tract during an exacerbation.
If you have an individual intolerance, cucumber is also contraindicated. The chemical composition of this product may cause allergic reactions.
Cucumber dishes and preserves
Fresh fruit is usually used in preparation. Heat treatment, apart from preservation, is rarely used. Salads are made from cucumber, such as vinaigrette or Olivier salad. They are simply placed on the table in cut form. added to some soups, for example, rassolnik. Although there are some recipes in which the fruits are fried, boiled, or baked. Such dishes have a specific taste. Besides heat treatment destroys most useful substances. Canned cucumbers different recipes. They are:
- Marinated - prepared using hot brine.
- Pickled - used for preparing this type of cucumbers cold method pickling.
- Lightly salted - like pickled ones, they are filled with hot brine. The fastest way.
Can children eat cucumber?
Many children love this product very much. The chemical composition of cucumber is very beneficial for a growing organism. It is considered one of the safest for baby food. However, in order for the cucumber to benefit the child, you must follow simple rules:
- Buy cucumbers only at the height of the season. Winter or too early varieties usually contain chemical additives.
- Before use, it must be thoroughly washed and peeled. Usually it contains most of the chemicals that make up the cucumber.
- It is better not to buy too beautiful fruits of the same size. This is also a sign of the addition of chemicals to the soil where the cucumber grew.
The chemical composition of this product may cause allergic reactions in children. In addition, cucumber is contraindicated for children:
- With individual congenital intolerance.
- Allergic to pollen.
- With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Cucumber is one of the crops that has been known since time immemorial. It is known that in Ancient Greece this vegetable was called “aguros”, which meant unripe or not ripe.
And now, after more than five thousand years, this crop is eagerly awaited every summer, because cucumbers delight not only with their taste and medicinal properties. But, despite the fact that this vegetable is present on every table, few people think about the fact that it consists almost entirely of water and its effect on the human body.
Cucumber is a crop that can be grown almost anywhere. Gardeners are pleased that the vegetable is not very picky about the soil, although it likes fairly good watering. It is worth noting that its cultivation is widespread both in open ground, and in greenhouse conditions. But, of course, those cucumbers that were grown in open ground are much superior to greenhouse cucumbers in terms of beneficial properties.
Beneficial features
Based on numerous studies, we can safely say that cucumber is the healthiest vegetable, which also belongs to the dietary category. Surprisingly, but true: a cucumber consists of 98% liquid, which, accordingly, indicates its low calorie content.
The main components that make up cucumbers and have a positive effect on the body are:
- various alkaline salts;
- iodine compounds;
- cellulose;
- vitamins B1, B2, C, carotene;
- sugar,
- folic acid;
- copper, iron, sodium, phosphorus, zinc, silver, chromium and potassium.
Due to the fact that this vegetable contains alkaline salts, it prevents the formation of kidney stones and also helps slow down the aging process.
In addition, one of the components is iodine compounds, which are easily digestible and have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland and the cardiovascular system.
A significant amount of potassium in the vegetable helps remove excess water from the body, lower blood pressure, remove swelling, and can also have a slight laxative effect.
Cucumber juice has good strengthening, rejuvenating effects, and also helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis.
Application in traditional medicine
Few of us have not seen cosmetic products with cucumber extracts. This is especially true for cucumber face lotions. It is suitable for caring for fat type skin. In addition to rum lotions, modern pharmaceutical companies produce day and night creams, milks, foams and tonics, shampoos, hair conditioners and face masks. It performs the following functions in them:
- moisturizes;
- rejuvenates;
- whitens;
- relieves inflammation;
- protects;
- cleanses.
In addition, the extract from this vegetable has found application in perfumery.
Use in folk medicine
The medicinal properties of cucumbers have been studied for quite a long time. In folk medicine, all parts of this vegetable are used: from the fruit itself to the flowers and leaves.
For example, fresh fruits are used to combat hemorrhoidal bleeding. They help reduce pain and stop bleeding. It is believed that if you cut out a small oval shape and or apply crushed pulp, the hemorrhoids will become softer and the pain will be reduced.
Juice is very useful fresh cucumbers. It is recommended for stomach problems (gastritis with increased acidity, ulcer), hepatitis and colic, constipation, hypertension, hypotension, coronary artery disease. Often, cucumber juice is mixed with the juices of other vegetables (celery, carrots) or honey. Juice with the addition of honey can thin phlegm when coughing.
A variety of cucumber decoctions and infusions help cleanse the gallbladder. And the seeds of overripe cucumbers can help with bladder diseases, fever or bronchitis. Sometimes the seeds are ground to a powder. This remedy helps with tuberculosis and various tumors.
The flowers and leaves are popular in the treatment of diseases such as malaria. Decoctions and infusions are prepared from these parts of the plant for internal use.
Contraindications for cucumbers
It would seem at first glance that such an ordinary vegetable as a cucumber cannot have contraindications, but they still exist. Contraindications for cucumbers, as well as beneficial features, have been studied for a long time.
- It is not recommended to consume cucumbers if you have individual intolerance, with nephritis, renal failure and other kidney ailments, as well as with colic, gastritis and enterocolitis.
- Pickled cucumbers are not recommended for people suffering from obesity.
In any case, before starting any treatment, you should consult a doctor specializing in your disease, who will tell you the required dosage and duration of treatment..
Cucumber Recipes
Cucumber is a fairly versatile vegetable that helps with gastrointestinal disorders and bronchitis, and is even used for cosmetic purposes.
- Cucumber juice.Cucumber juice used for many ailments. This vegetable is very juicy, so getting juice from it is not difficult, even if you don’t have a juicer at hand. For this fresh cucumbers It is necessary to thoroughly wash, peel, and then grate on a fine grater. The juice must be drained from the resulting mixture, and the remaining pulp can be squeezed out again through cheesecloth. Please note that it is best to do each time before taking Fresh Juice, since it is practically not stored. The only option is to freeze it in ice cube trays. In this form, it is perfect for wiping the skin of the face.
- Cucumber decoction. This decoction is good for problems with the gallbladder. To prepare it, you need to mix 150 g of pre-chopped (or grated) vegetable with a glass of water. Place on the fire and boil for no more than 5 minutes, after which you should cover the saucepan with a lid and let it brew for 4-5 minutes. Take 100-125 ml of this decoction.
- A decoction of overripe cucumber seeds.
This decoction is good for bronchitis, fever and bladder ailments. To prepare it, you need to remove the seeds from yellow, overripe vegetables. They need to be dried and then ground to a powder. 10 g of this powder is poured into a glass of boiling water and put on fire, but boil it for no more than 3-4 minutes. After this, the product should infuse. When the broth has cooled, filter it and take half a glass 5 times a day. - Decoction of tops.
To prepare, you need about 50 g of dry tops, which is added to 0.6 liters of boiling water. Place a saucepan with water and tops on the fire and bring to a boil. You need to cook it for no more than 8 minutes, after which you need to close the lid very tightly and leave for at least an hour in a warm place. This decoction is excellent for uterine and intestinal bleeding. It is recommended to take half a glass three times a day.
What are the benefits of cucumber? What diseases can cucumber be used to treat?
Useful properties of cucumber
Cucumber is a unique vegetable that does not contain any substance that can cause allergies. It is a light product, so it can be consumed in almost unlimited quantities without fear of weight gain. Cucumber satisfies hunger well because, due to its volume, it stretches the walls of the stomach, which causes a feeling of fullness.
Cucumbers contain 95% water, which means that they perfectly cleanse the kidneys, do not overload the pancreas and are a natural adsorbent that neutralizes harmful substances.
Cucumber juice dissolves stones in the gall bladder and bile ducts. But here you need to be careful. When drinking a large amount of juice, the movement of stones may begin, which causes complications of various types. Cucumbers owe much of their cleansing properties to potassium and sodium ions. There is much more of the former in the composition than the latter, which provides a mild diuretic effect.
Cucumbers are rich in fiber, which helps cleanse the intestines during stool retention.
Cucumber improves protein absorption, therefore it is good addition for meat and fish dishes. This vegetable is an excellent means of preventing thyroid diseases, since 100 g of cucumbers contains 3 mcg of iodine, which is almost completely absorbed by the body.
Daily consumption of cucumbers is recommended for people with slow metabolism. They contain folic acid, which helps reduce appetite, as it contains an insulin-like substance. For the same reason, cucumbers normalize blood sugar levels and prevent the process of converting carbohydrates into fats.
And finally, cucumbers are an excellent cosmetic product. They moisturize and whiten the skin, help cool it and tighten pores, and the juice protects against sunburn. Cucumber helps eliminate oily skin.
Healing cucumber recipes. Use of cucumber in folk medicine
Infusion of garlic in cucumber brine for sore throat and feverish conditions
Pour 200 g chopped garlic into 1 liter cucumber pickle and leave in a closed container for 14 days, shaking daily. Take 30 ml 3-4 times a day before meals.
Infusion of cucumber peel inflammatory diseases eye
Pour 30 g of cucumber peel into 150 ml of boiling water, add 20 g baking soda and leave for 30 minutes, then strain. Use the resulting infusion to apply lotions on your eyelids.
Infusion of cucumber seeds as a choleretic agent
Grind 100 g of dried cucumber seeds in a coffee grinder, pour in 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 1 hour in a thermos, then strain through a sieve. Drink the infusion throughout the day. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.
Cucumber decoction for skin diseases
Combine 200 g of finely chopped cucumbers, 100 g of dry crushed willow bark and 50 g of dry crushed raspberry leaves, pour in 2 liters of water, bring to a boil and keep on low heat under the lid for 20 minutes. Strain the finished broth and use for medicinal baths.
Infusion of cucumber seeds for cystitis
Pour 50 g of cucumber seeds into 500 ml of boiling water and leave covered for 2 hours, then strain. Take 250 ml 2 times a day 15 minutes before meals for 5 days.
Decoction of cucumber seeds for respiratory diseases and kidney stones
Pour 30 g of cucumber seeds into 500 ml of boiling water and keep in a water bath for 30 minutes, then cool and strain. Take 100 ml 3-4 times a day before meals.
Decoction of cucumber lashes for hemorrhoidal bleeding
Pour 50 g of dry cucumber lashes into 500 ml of cold water, bring to a boil and keep on low heat for 30 minutes, then leave for 1 hour. Take 100-120 ml warm 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
Cucumber decoction for hypertension, constipation, edema and fever
Grind 100 g of cucumber, pour 250 ml of boiling water and keep in a water bath for 7 minutes, then leave covered for 35-40 minutes and strain. Take 120 ml 3-4 times a day.
Cucumber decoction for liver diseases
Pour 100 g of chopped overripe cucumber into 500 ml of boiling water and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, then leave for 10 minutes, strain and take 120 ml 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
Cucumber pickle for constipation
Take 30 ml of cucumber pickle 3 times a day 20-30 minutes after meals.
Cucumber pickle for obesity
Take 120 ml of cucumber pickle 3 times a day, adding 15 ml of apple cider vinegar for 14 days. Take a break for 1 month and repeat the course.
Dried cucumber peel powder for constipation
Dry the cucumber peel, grind it into powder and take 15-20 g 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals with 200 ml of warm boiled water.
Cucumber seed powder for tumor diseases of the spleen
Dry the seeds of yellowed cucumbers and grind them in a coffee grinder. Take 15 g of the resulting powder 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals with 250 ml of warm water.
It is a close relative of squash, watermelon and melon, and belongs to the family pumpkin. Its scientific name is " cucumis sativus"translated from Latin as " cucumber" According to information from botanical reference books, the fruit of this plant is classified as a berry. True, with a caveat - to false berries. In terms of culinary and taste characteristics, cucumber is still considered a vegetable crop, which, by the way, ranks 4th in the world in terms of volume of cultivation among vegetables.
Story
Cucumber is considered one of the oldest representatives of vegetable crops, appearing four thousand years ago. Although there are bold assumptions that the cucumber is more than 6 thousand years old. There is no clear information about the homeland of this vegetable, but most likely it was the tropical and subtropical regions of Ancient India and China. We can definitely say that initially the cucumber grew wild. Only in the second millennium BC. the ancient Indians cultivated it and gradually introduced it into their diet.
Thanks to increased cultivation volumes and established trade relations, cucumber set off from India and China to conquer the world. That's how he got to Egypt, Ancient Greece, and much later to the Roman Empire. There is reason to believe that it is from Greek name This green vegetable “ἄγουρος” (goes back to “ἄωρος” - unripe) is where the word “cucumber” originated. By the way, the English name “cucumber” comes from the French word “concombre”, which, in turn, was borrowed from the Latin language (“cucumis”).
The fact that in ancient times cucumber was an important part of the people's diet is evidenced by its images on frescoes in Greek and Egyptian temples. In addition, the beneficial properties of this crunchy vegetable were described by Aristotle and Hippocrates. In ancient Rome, cucumbers were eaten by both the elite classes and the lower classes. And Emperor Tiberius ordered to serve him one cucumber every day of the year. Then cucumbers began to be grown in boxes on wheels so that they could be moved following the sunlight. It is believed that the first pickling recipes appeared at the same time.
From the Roman Empire, the cucumber spread throughout Europe (in France - from the 9th century, in England - from the 14th century). In the 15th century, thanks to Columbus, the cucumber reached the shores of the New World, where it also quickly gained popularity among local residents. However, at the beginning of the 17th century. In America, information appeared that eating raw vegetables and fruits is dangerous to health, so the cucumber lost its position for some time and received the mocking nickname “cowcumber” (English cucumber for feeding cows). Only about a hundred years later did the green vegetable return to American tables.
It is not known for certain when and how the cucumber came to Rus'. There is a theory that this vegetable came to us from Europe after the baptism of Rus'. Although some scientists believe that our merchants bought cucumbers in East Asia back in the 9th century. In any case, one of the first written mentions of this vegetable dates back to the first half of the 16th century. (notes of the German traveler Elschläger). At the same time, Peter I issued a decree on the cultivation of this crop in the royal garden. It was then that the first greenhouses began to appear.
Varieties
Despite the fact that cucumbers require a set of certain conditions for normal ripening, thanks to the efforts of breeders, they are now cultivated in different climatic zones and on soils of different composition. The main thing is to choose the right variety.
Depending on the timing of ripening, cucumbers are divided into early ripening, ripening up to 45 days (Cupid, artist, Hector, Masha), mid-ripening, ripening up to 50 days (competitor, unfeminine, table, mother-in-law), and late ripening, ripening more than 50 days (phoenix , Aquarius, Alice). There is also a division of cucumber varieties according to their intended purpose: for consumption in fresh, for pickling or canning and universal, suitable for both purposes.
Interestingly, the oblong green vegetable we know has many exotic relatives that are considered its varieties. For example, the African Kiwano cucumber has a yellow peel with spikes and juicy green flesh, slightly reminiscent of our traditional cucumber. The dragon egg is smooth and light color shell, round shape and sweetish taste. And Red Hmong cucumbers turn red when ripe and taste a little like melon.
The cucumber, called Gak or Spring Bitter, has an orange-red skin and soft red flesh. It contains a large number of antioxidants, which makes it very useful, however, it does not tolerate transportation well, so it can only be found in places where it is grown. There are also decorative wild cucumbers, which are also popularly called hedgehog cucumbers. They weave around hedges and fences, and their fruits are covered with needles. The peculiarity of these cucumbers is that at the moment of ripening, the peel on the fruit stretches as much as possible and bursts. At the same time, seeds and a little mucus fly out of two small holes under pressure.
Features of cultivation
Cucumber is a vine-like plant with a creeping stem that can reach two or more meters in length. Side shoots and tendrils extend from the main stem, with the help of which the plant can be fixed on supports, taking on a vertical position. Thanks to this, cucumbers can be grown on trellises (usually this method is used in greenhouses and on balconies), although, if space in the garden/bed allows, then the stem is allowed to spread along the ground. The length and degree of branching depends on the variety.
During flowering, the plant produces yellow male (with stamens) and female (with pistils) flowers. Female flowers are distinguished by the fact that there is an ovary under them and they are located singly or in 2-3 pieces on the side shoots, while male flowers (empty flowers) form inflorescences of 5-7 pieces mainly on the main stem. Fertilization occurs mainly during the opening of flowers (1-2 days). Pollen is carried by bees and other insects, which are attracted by the bright yellow color and presence of nectar.
In case of cold weather or in greenhouse growing conditions, the pollination process becomes more complicated - it is done manually, so breeders began to breed hybrids. They are obtained through artificial pollination of flowers. different varieties. In its name, the hybrid must have a distinctive symbol - F (filli - Italian children) and a number that indicates the generation number. Moreover, in our time, cucumbers have appeared that do not require pollination at all - parthenocarpic, as well as self-pollinating - their flowers have both a stamen and a pistil.
Cucumbers usually begin to be harvested when the fruits are not yet biologically ripe, which is why they are called greens. Only those cucumbers from which seed material is taken for planting or selection are allowed to ripen and acquire a yellow-brown hue.
Planting cucumbers can be done either by seedlings or by seeds. Typically, seedlings provide an earlier harvest, but also require more attention. After planting in the beds, young plants need to be wrapped in case the temperature drops. In general, cucumber is a heat-loving, moisture-loving and light-loving plant that does not tolerate drafts (note to those who grow vegetables at home on windowsills). It is recommended to plant cucumbers at a distance of at least 20 cm from each other to a depth of 2-2.5 cm in the second or third ten days of May (at temperatures from 18 to 25 ° C).
Among the main cucumber pests is the spider mite, which settles on the underside of the leaves and feeds on their juice, which leads to the appearance of white spots on the leaves, and then, entwined with cobwebs, they dry out. Cucumbers are also afraid of melon aphids, which live on all parts of the plant and suck out its juices. After this, the leaves begin to turn yellow and die. The cucumber mosquito is also dangerous, whose translucent larva with a black head penetrates the stem and root of a weakened plant, after which it dies.
Chemicals are commonly used to control pests. However, in order to prevent harmful insects from entering the plant, you need to do regular weeding to remove weeds.
How to choose
IN summer time It is better to buy cucumbers in the morning, before they have time to lose their freshness, lying in the sun. If the cucumbers have already withered a little, then you can “revive” them by leaving them in cool water for 2-3 hours. By the way, soaking in cold water(about 30 minutes) promotes the removal of nitrates. To enhance the effect, you should put the cucumbers in a transparent container and leave them in a bright place (the sun's rays help speed up the elimination of harmful substances).
Purchased cucumbers must be firm, without visible damage or yellow spots. When buying cucumbers out of season, you should pay attention to the unnatural shine. Imported vegetables are often coated with a thin layer of paraffin during transportation for better preservation. In this case, before eating the vegetable, it is necessary to cut off the peel. And if there are no seeds inside at all, then it is better to throw away such a cucumber, due to the presence of a large amount of dangerous substances in it.
In general, the choice of cucumbers depends on your goal. Almost all cucumbers can be used for salad, but the most suitable are considered to be specially bred smooth fruits with a thick skin, about 13 cm long. They have a rich aroma. You can take cucumbers with white thorns.
The best pickled cucumbers are obtained from fruits 9-12 cm in length with dark spines (they are easily removed when washed, which allows the brine to intensively soak the cucumber). For pickling, it is recommended to take cucumbers up to 9 cm in size (short-fruited gherkins) dark green in color with light tips or light stripes on the side. Fruits with dark thorns are also suitable.
How to store
As for storing fresh cucumbers, they can usually last in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. It is important to provide them with air supply and not store them near ripe fruits and vegetables. To increase the shelf life to 10 days, they are placed in a plastic bag, covered with wet gauze on top and sent to the refrigerator. Cucumbers wrapped in paper towels and placed in an unopened bag can be stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks. In order for the vegetables to remain fresh for 3-4 weeks, they are lowered with their tails into 1-2 cm of cool water and placed in the refrigerator. The water in the container must be changed every day.
Useful properties of cucumbers
Chemical composition and presence of nutrients
| Main substances (mg/100 g): | Fresh with peel | Fresh without peel | Pickled |
| Water | 95,23 | 96,73 | 94,08 |
| Squirrels | 0,65 | 0,59 | 0,33 |
| Fats | 0,11 | 0,16 | 0,20 |
| Carbohydrates | 3,63 | 2,16 | 2,26 |
| Sugar | 1,67 | 1,38 | 1,06 |
| Alimentary fiber | 0,5 | 0,7 | 1,2 |
| Calories (Kcal) | 15 | 10 | 11 |
| Minerals | |||
| Potassium | 147 | 136 | 23 |
| Phosphorus | 24 | 21 | 14 |
| Calcium | 16 | 14 | - |
| Magnesium | 13 | 12 | 4 |
| Sodium | 2 | 2 | 1208 |
| Iron | 0,28 | 0,22 | 0,40 |
| Zinc | 0,20 | 0,17 | 0,02 |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin C | 2,8 | 3,2 | 1 |
| Vitamin PP | 0,098 | 0,037 | - |
| Vitamin B6 | 0,040 | 0,051 | 0,009 |
| Vitamin B2 | 0,033 | 0,025 | 0,010 |
| Vitamin E | 0,030 | 0,03 | 0,09 |
| Vitamin B1 | 0,027 | 0,031 | - |
| Vitamin K | 0,016 | 0,007 | 0,047 |
| Vitamin B9 | 0,007 | 0,014 | 0,001 |
| Vitamin A | 0,005 | 0,004 | 0,01 |
Based on the tables above, we can conclude that it is most beneficial to eat cucumbers with the peel, which contains many useful substances. However, both without peel and pickled cucumbers retain some beneficial properties. However, it is worth considering that when salted or pickled, the sodium level in them jumps sharply, which can negatively affect the health of people suffering from kidney failure. At the same time, the proportion of vitamins decreases, the level of potassium, magnesium, zinc and calcium decreases. And too much salt can lead to the destruction of tooth enamel, fluid retention in the body and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
Medicinal properties
Cucumber is inferior to many vegetables in terms of vitamin content, since it consists almost entirely of water. However, cucumber water is rich in mineral salts and biologically active substances. For example, cucumber fruits contain enzymes that promote the absorption of proteins and B vitamins, as well as maintaining normal blood reactions. Moreover, cucumbers contain an enzyme similar to insulin, which makes it important product diabetic diet.
In addition, cucumber water helps cleanse the body by dissolving toxins. That is, cucumber should not be used as a food on its own, but it plays a significant role in the digestion of other foods, such as meat. Due to their low calorie content, cucumbers are recommended for people prone to obesity.
Even though in small quantity, but cucumbers contain phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc and iodine (in easily digestible form). Due to this, they have choleretic and diuretic properties, help improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, and are recommended for people suffering from thyroid diseases. In addition, this set of microelements helps improve the condition of human nails, hair, teeth and reduces the acidity of gastric juice. By the way, fiber, which is part of cucumbers, has the best effect on the digestion process. A mild laxative effect helps relieve constipation.
As for vitamins, cucumbers can boast of the presence of carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, etc. The latter take an active part in regulating the level of homocysteine, an amino acid that is formed in the body during metabolism and increases the risk of atherosclerotic vascular damage and thrombosis.
Another useful component of cucumber is phytosterol (phytosterol) - a steroid alcohol that does not dissolve in water. In fact, we are talking about a plant-based double of cholesterol. Its advantage is that it is safe for humans and does not provoke the development of atherosclerosis. Once in the body, phytosterol inhibits up to 10% of cholesterol absorption and instead penetrates into the blood without causing any harm to the body.
Use in medicine
In traditional medicine, cucumber, despite the presence of useful elements and properties, is not used and is not considered a pharmacopoeial plant. Nevertheless, green fruits has been actively and successfully used in folk medicine and cosmetology for a long time.
First, the simplest thing folk use cucumber – external. If you receive minor burns, abrasions or wounds, it is recommended to apply a cut cucumber to the damaged area or lubricate the area with fresh cucumber juice. This guarantees a powerful antimicrobial effect (even in case of suppuration). Secondly, they prepare on the basis of cucumber various decoctions, infusions, compresses are made from them. Moreover, not only the fruits themselves and the juice are put into circulation, but also the flowers, leaves and vines of the plant (usually in dried form).
Decoctions and infusions
A decoction of fresh cucumbers can help get rid of edema caused by heart pathologies or varicose veins. To do this, you need to finely chop 100 g of washed cucumber, pour 200 ml of boiling water over it and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Half a glass of this decoction should be drunk before meals three times a day for 7-10 days.
Beverages
Cucumber juice has many beneficial properties, so it is recommended to drink it in its pure form. However, due to the refreshing effect that cucumber has, it is often added to various summer drinks. For example, a lime and watermelon cocktail (200 g watermelon pulp, 1/2 lime, 1/2 cucumber, a bunch of mint and water) or a spinach and celery smoothie (grind in a blender: 100 g spinach, 1 green apple, 1 cucumber, 1 stalk of celery, 1 piece of ginger, 2 tbsp. lemon juice). Cucumber water is also popular (1 cucumber, 1 bunch of mint, half a lemon, 1 liter of water).
Use in cosmetology
Cucumber is considered a good cosmetic product that has a refreshing and rejuvenating effect on the skin. Thanks to phytosterol, moisture is retained and there is a slight lifting effect. And alkaline salts provide nutrition to the skin and have a whitening effect, removing plaque.
Now there is a huge selection of all kinds of masks, lotions, tonics, cucumber-based gels, but in the summer you can prepare a cosmetic product at home.
In order to refresh your facial skin after overwork, lack of sleep or stress, you need to take 1 cucumber and 1 chicken protein. You should grate the cucumber on a fine grater and take 2 tbsp. gruel, combining them with whipped until foamy egg white. Then apply the mask to your face for 15 minutes and rinse with water. And for the skin around the eyes, it is recommended to mix 2 tbsp. grated cucumber with chopped parsley.
To achieve a rejuvenating effect, you need to mix 1 tbsp. grated cucumber with 1 tsp. white clay. A mask made from 1 tbsp gives a moisturizing effect. grated cucumber, 1 tsp. chopped mint and 1 tsp. chopped basil.
One of the first countries where cucumber was cultivated and eaten was China. There is a legend according to which it was the Chinese who introduced this vegetable to Turkey. In addition to other gifts, they sent the Turkish Sultan Magomed II as a gift several exotic fruits - cucumbers. The Sultan liked the strange vegetable, and he called on the seven best court guards to guard it. However, one cucumber disappeared, and all the guards denied any involvement in the theft. Then the enraged Sultan decided to conduct a kind of search, giving the order to rip open the bellies of all seven.
Perhaps this is why the saying “Keep an eye on the cucumber with the ax” appeared in Turkish. True, now such words are usually addressed to a person who is doing something stupid. In English and Russian, proverbs about cucumbers have a rather positive meaning. So, the British say " as cool as a cucumber", which literally translates as " calm as a cucumber” and means absolute equanimity. In Russia you can often hear the expression “ be like a cucumber", which means to be cheerful and look good. And Brazilians even use the word “ chuchuzinho"(Port. chayote or Mexican cucumber) for affectionate address to loved ones.
By the way, about love. In 2011, a series called “Cucumber Love” was filmed in Russia, which tells the story of life in the small village of Gorelkovo, famous for its cucumber fields. In addition, back in 1985, the cartoon “The Cucumber Horse” was created in the Soviet Union based on a fairy tale by Galina Lebedeva. Green crispy vegetables also play a plot-forming role in the instructive story “Cucumbers” by children's prose writer Nikolai Nosov. Writers Vladimir Klimenko (story “Mad Cucumbers”) and Vsevolod Ivanov (story “Nezhin Cucumbers”) also addressed the topic of cucumbers.
Great painters also paid attention to this green vegetable. The still lifes “Cucumbers” by Kondrat Maksimov and Mikhail Makhalov (1), as well as the painting “Still Life with Vegetables” by Ivan Khrutsky, became famous. Moreover, medieval artists began to depict cucumbers on their canvases. Thus, the Spaniard Luis Mendeles painted the still life “Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Dishes.” And the Italian Giuseppe Arcimboldo used a cucumber to depict the character’s nose in the painting “Summer” (2).
And Carlo Crivelli distinguished himself by incorporating cucumbers into the Christian subjects of his paintings. Until now, scientists do not agree on the symbolism of cucumbers in Crivelli’s series of paintings “Madonna and Child” (3) and “The Annunciation”. Since the cucumber is often located next to the apple on them, it is sometimes interpreted by analogy as a symbol of temptation and original sin. Although some researchers believe that the cucumber, on the contrary, symbolized the Resurrection and vitality.
Apparently, modern residents of Fiji also believe in the vitality that cucumber gives. They not only consume cucumbers, but also prepare their reserves in case of crop failure or natural disaster. As a rule, vegetables are wrapped banana leaves and buried in the ground. In addition, the size of the supply of cucumbers can help a man get married, since parents of girls are usually more willing to marry their daughters to “cucumber tycoons.”
By the way, in Fiji, as well as in Asia, not only cucumbers in the form in which we are used to seeing them are popular, but also the so-called sea cucumbers. In fact, we are talking about holothurians - invertebrate animals such as echinoderms. The species eaten as food are usually collectively called " sea cucumbers". These oriental seafood are considered extremely healthy delicacies Therefore, they are often caught illegally and sold on the black market. There, the price for 1 kg of sea cucumbers can reach up to $500.
True, our traditional green vegetables are also breaking their records, quite legally. In the UK, two pensioners independently grew 1.2 m long fruits in their garden beds. However, the longest cucumber is considered to be a vegetable ripened in one of the greenhouses in Hungary. The record 1.83 m is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
In different parts of the world, people immortalized the cucumber by erecting monuments to it. For example, there is such a monument in Poznan, Poland. Also in the Ukrainian Nizhyn there is a monument to the unfeminine cucumber, and in the Belarusian Shklov there is a bronze cucumber “Napoleon”. This vegetable is revered in Austria - in Salzburg there is an entire installation “Cucumbers”. They are also respected in Russia, because in addition to the monument, in Lukhovitsy near Moscow there is an entire museum dedicated to the cucumber.
But in London, the cucumber was honored on a grand scale. There is no monument here, but in 2004 a high-rise building 30 St Mary Ax (St. Mary Ax 30) appeared, which the British themselves call “The Gherkin” due to its external similarity and greenish lighting. Interestingly, the creators were actually inspired to create this architectural project by a pine cone.
Dangerous properties of cucumbers and contraindications
Cucumbers – dietary product, but even they can sometimes cause harm to the body. It is recommended to stop using them in the following cases:
- exacerbation of stomach ulcers;
- acute and chronic gastritis and enterocolitis;
- acute and chronic nephritis and pyelonephritis, as well as hepatitis and cholecystitis (you should avoid pickles);
- feeding a baby (can cause stomach upset and colic in the baby).
