Cool, cool cucumber

Cucumbers are one of the 'coolest' vegetables on the market scene.

No wonder there's even a phrase, "as cool as a cucumber", leaving no doubt about the vegetable's high water content which gives it a cooling taste and feel.

Cucumber is among one of the favoured vegetables locally, and is available all year round. The vegetable, though quite popular in Jamaica, is said to have originated over 10,000 years ago in southern Asia. Early explorers and travellers introduced this vegetable to India and other parts of Asia. It was very popular in the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece and Rome, whose people used it not only as a food, but also for its beneficial skin-healing properties.

Though the veggie is primarily composed of water, it also contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid, which both help smooth skin irritation and reduce swelling. However, some people don't like the skin and will peel it off before eating it. The truth is, the skin is rich in fibre and has a variety of minerals including silica, potassium and magnesium. Also, the silica in cucumber is an essential component of healthy connective tissue, which includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone. Plus, the juice is recommended to improve skin complexion; as such it is found in a variety of skincare products. And it is perfect for swelling under the eyes, sunburn and dermatitis.

Aside from its nutritional value, cucumber makes great salads, juices, soups, salsa, relish, pickles and is perfect in sandwiches. Some Jamaicans just wash it, add some salt, then dig in; while others love it nicely sliced, accompanied by cabbage, carrot or lettuce and a dressing of choice. Still others just blend it without added sweeteners to help with weight loss. But, it does make a refreshing drink. all you need to do is add some sugar, lime and ice, and you have a refreshing drink. Whether you like it by itself or as an accompaniment, cucumber is perfect, not because it tastes good, but it's also nutritional and readily available.

Cucumber Relish

Ingredients

8 cups cucumbers (do not peel)

2 cups onions

1¹/² cups sweet peppers

1¹/² cups green peppers

¹/²tbsp red pepper

3 cups vinegar

3 cups sugar

1tbsp mustard seed

1tbsp celery seed

¹/²tsp turmeric powder

Method

1. Grind cucumbers, onions and peppers and put in a brine of ¹/² cup salt to 2 quarts water. Let stand for two hours, then bring to a boil and drain. Add rest of ingredients and boil 10 minutes. Pack in sterilised jars.

Cucumber Juice

Ingredients

2 cucumbers

8 cups water

1tbsp ginger (grated)

1 lime

1 orange

4tbsp sugar

Method

1. Wash cucumbers thoroughly then cut in small pieces. grate ginger.

2. Add water, cucumber pieces and grated ginger to an electric blender and purée for three to four minutes. Strain in jug, and then sweeten.

3. Serve with ice cubes.

Sources: www.cooks.com/recipe

www.jamaican-recipe.com

www.whfoods.com

Nothing like a good salad to perk up your appetite, whether as a
starter or as your main course. Here are three excellent ideas: all with
the juicy tomato.

Stuffed Tomato Salad

Ingredients

6 medium-sized firm torn tomatoes

¹/⁴ cup minced lettuce stalks

¹/² cup cooked minced chicken

mayonnaise

lettuce

Instructions:
Peel the tomatoes. Remove a thin slice from the top of each, scoop out
the centres, dust with salt and pepper, and invert the tomatoes in a
cool place to drain. Fill these 'cups' with a salad made of the chicken
and lettuce stalks, moistened with mayonnaise, and arrange on plates for
individual service. Garnish each with a spoonful of mayonnaise and a
sprig of parsley.

Chickpea Salad with Red Onion and Tomato

Ingredients

19 ounces garbanzo beans drained

2tbsp red onion chopped

2 cloves garlic minced

1 tomato chopped

¹/² cup chopped parsley

3tbsp olive oil

1tbsp lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, red onion, garlic, tomato,
parsley, olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Chill for
two hours before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve.

Green Pepper Tomato Salad

Ingredients

3 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 medium green pepper, chopped

1 celery rib, thinly sliced

¹/² cup chopped red onion

2tbsp cider vinegar

1tbsp sugar

¹/²tsp salt

¹/⁸tsp pepper

Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, green pepper, celery and onion.
In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir into
tomato mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, stirring
several times. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Sources: http://chestofbooks.com/food, www.howtodothings.com and http://allrecipes.com