Growing Cool Cucumbers

Image by karenandbrademerson via Flickr

The first ever cucumber from my garden was found hiding snugly in the cool shade provided by the leaves overhead. It’s a little easier to grow than I initially thought.

Cucumber Plant from my garden

Cucumbers have many health benefits and is the best known natural diuretic. It also plays a role in helping the body fight kidney and urinary diseases. They have natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Companion Plants for Cucumbers:

Cucumbers enjoy the company of radishes, peas, beets, sweet corn, beans, carrots, dill, nasturtiums, sunflowers, and marygolds.

They are not fond of having potatoes and sage growing in close proximity to them.

Thai Cucumber Salad:

If you feel like something spicy, this is just the salad. It is especially great with a good Thai curry.

Ingredients:

• 2cm (¾in) piece of fresh ginger
• 1tbsp soy sauce
• 1tsp sesame oil
• 1 lime
• 1 cucumber
• A small handful of fresh coriander (cilantro)

Method:

Peel and grate 2cm (¾in) of fresh ginger on to a serving platter and add 1tbsp soy sauce, 3tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 1tsp sesame oil. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime, then check the seasoning. Use a speed-peeler to peel the cucumber in long ribbons over the platter. Discard the watery core. Take a small handful of coriander and finely chop the stalks, putting the leaves aside. Sprinkle the stalks over the cucumber. Finely chop ½ a chilli and sprinkle over. Take to the table, but don’t toss and dress until you’re ready to eat.

Recipe from Jamie Oliver’s 30 Minute Meals

Related articles

• Saturday Morning Harvest (lifeinthecape.wordpress.com)
• Spicy Cucumber Salad (pkcooks.wordpress.com)