Last year, one of the world's leading horticultural companies released some very intriguing information about cucumbers. There have been so many requests for this information, I thought I would share it again:
A PICK-ME-UP
Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day. Just one cucumber contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and Vitamin C as well as folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down that caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. As a good source of B vitamins and carbohydrates, it can provide a quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.
A DE-FOGGER
Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror - it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing spa-like fragrance.
A NATURAL PEST DETERRENT
Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small aluminium pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumbers react with the aluminium to give off a scent undetectable to humans but one that drives garden pests crazy and makes them flee the area.
A CELLULITE FIGHTER
Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes. The phytochemicals in cucumbers cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too.
A MORNING-AFTER HELPER
Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and a headache!
A LIGHT SNACK
Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries, often by European trappers, traders and explorers, for quick meals to thwart off starvation.
A SHOE SHINER
Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over your shoes. Its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.
A LUBRICANT
Out of WD40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge and voilà! the squeak is gone.
A SPA STEAMER
Stressed out and don't have time for a massage, facial or visit to a spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. Its chemicals and nutrients will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.
A BREATH FRESHENER
Just finished a business lunch and realize you don't have any gum or mints to refresh your breath? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemicals in the cucumber will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
A GREEN CLEANER
Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean. It will remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won't leave streaks and won't harm your fingers or fingernails while you clean.
A MAGIC ERASER
Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of a cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing. It also works great on crayons and markers that kids have used to decorate the walls.
Who would have guessed? As your cucumbers start to mature, enjoy them for the wonderful flavour and crunch that they add to your favourite dishes, but also keep in mind all these useful tips.
Brian Minter is owner of Minter Gardens.
