Cucumber is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that offers a refreshing and cooling effect. It is rich in vitamin C, which promotes healthy skin. Additionally, cucumbers have high levels of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate and stabilize blood pressure.
Cucumbers can be enjoyed in various ways, such as eating them raw, incorporating them into salads, frying them, or using them as a garnish. Each preparation method offers its own unique and delicious flavor. When shopping for cucumbers, you may come across two main shapes: curved and straight. Many people prefer straight cucumbers because they are easy to peel, prepare, and visually appealing. However, some believe that curved cucumbers are tastier and crunchier.
If you’re wondering how to choose delicious cucumbers, let’s take a look at the recommendations from professional melon growers:
1. Consider the color of the cucumber
Start by examining the color of the cucumber. Fresh cucumbers typically have a dark green and glossy appearance. This darker color is a result of cucumbers being grown in areas with ample natural sunlight.
Cucumbers that have been sprayed with stimulants or grown in areas with limited sunlight will have a lighter color and are best avoided. Additionally, cucumbers that appear slightly yellow or have a dull surface are likely too old or have been stored for a long time. It’s recommended to select cucumbers with a darker green color.
2. Examine the shape of the cucumber
As mentioned earlier, many people prefer straight cucumbers due to their aesthetically pleasing appearance and ease of preparation. However, it’s important to note that artificially manipulated cucumbers, such as those injected with stimulants, may also have a straight shape. Natural cucumbers can have various shapes influenced by factors like sunlight, rain, soil, and fertilizers. While not all cucumbers will be perfectly straight, excessively crooked ones should be avoided as they may indicate abnormal growth and potentially inferior taste.
When selecting cucumbers, opt for those that are slightly curved but evenly proportioned throughout. Avoid cucumbers with disproportionate ends or irregular sizes.
3. Pay attention to the flower at the center of the cucumber
Some cucumbers may still have a small yellow flower at the navel. Contrary to popular belief, the presence of this flower does not necessarily indicate freshness. Natural ripe cucumbers need to be transported a certain distance after being harvested, causing the small yellow flowers at the navel to wilt or fall off naturally.
On the other hand, cucumbers that have been injected with stimulants or preserved using artificial methods may have exceptionally fresh and vibrant yellow flowers that remain intact for an extended period. It’s advisable to avoid purchasing such cucumbers.
4. Observe the spines on the cucumber’s skin
Take a close look at the small spines or thorns on the cucumber’s skin and touch them with your hands when making a purchase. Fresh cucumbers typically have thick spines that break upon contact.
However, cucumbers that have been sprayed with stimulants may exhibit thin and sharp spines that can easily penetrate the skin without breaking. It’s advisable to avoid such cucumbers.
Alternatively, if the cucumber feels smooth to the touch and the spines have fallen off, it indicates that the cucumber has been picked for an extended period and is no longer fresh. It’s best to avoid purchasing such cucumbers as well.
REFERENCES FOR CUCUMBER DISHES
PICKLES
Ingredients:
Preparation:
– Wash the cucumbers and let them drain overnight in a ventilated place. They will be ready for processing the next day.
– Sterilize a clean glass jar by boiling it in water, then draining. Neatly arrange the cucumbers in the jar and add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 2 teaspoons of pepper (2 grams), 2 dried chili peppers, and 2 tablespoons of salt (15 grams). Finally, pour in cooled boiled water or purified water, enough to fully submerge the cucumbers.
– Seal the jar tightly, shake it well to distribute the seasoning evenly, and place the jar of pickled cucumbers in a cool area with a room temperature of approximately 25 degrees Celsius. After just 7 days, the cucumbers will be ready to eat. In hot weather, they may be ready even sooner.
– Pickled cucumbers will have a sour, crunchy, spicy, and fragrant taste with a hint of dill. They are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with rice, in salads, with bread, sticky rice, or alongside your favorite dishes. Making your own pickled cucumbers ensures a delicious and preservative-free option.
CUCUMBER SALAD
Ingredients:
– 2 cucumbers
– 1 chili
– 1 bulb of garlic
– 30ml rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon fish sauce
– 1 pinch of cornstarch
– 60ml of water
Preparation:
– Wash the cucumbers and soak them in salt water for 15 minutes, then rinse under running water.
– Cut off the ends of the cucumbers and slice them thinly. Peel and mince the garlic, and finely chop the chili.
– Take each cucumber slice and roll it into a circle, then arrange them on a plate for an appealing presentation.
– In a pot, combine fish sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, 60ml water, a pinch of cornstarch, minced garlic, and minced chili. Stir well to dissolve the seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn off the heat and let it cool. This will create a slightly viscous fish sauce dressing.
– Once the fish sauce dressing has cooled, drizzle it evenly over the cucumber plate. Your cucumber salad is now complete. In just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious, crispy, sweet, and sour cucumber salad.
Photo: Internet
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