Cucumber is a representative of the pumpkin family. The stem of such a plant varies in size from 1 to 2 meters. Cucumber has a special antennae, with which it is attached to the ground or other support. The flowers are small, yellow. Unripe, green fruits are mainly consumed, but there are lovers of ripe cucumber. It usually has a large size and a characteristic yellow color. Cucumbers began to be eaten more than 6000 years ago. The birthplace of this culture is India. There cucumbers grow on trees, in the forest, like creepers.
In our century, a variety of hybrid varieties of cucumber began to be bred . Varieties have appeared that grow like shrubs. Some of the new varieties have no seeds.
Varieties of Cucumbers
By variety, cucumbers are divided into:
- Aspen - have a dark green color and black spikes. The skin of such species is denser.
- Salad - such cucumbers are smooth to the touch, the peel is softer. Cucumber has a sweet taste without bitterness.
- Winter - these varieties ripen for a long time. Color can be any. The length of such cucumbers ranges from 15 to 35 centimeters. In winter, as a rule, large, smooth varieties with white spikes are more popular.
- Summer - such varieties are smaller than winter ones. Usually they grow 6-20 centimeters long. Such cucumbers ripen faster and have better taste.
- Tufts are a very popular variety of cucumber. It is characterized by high fertility - about 8 ovaries form on one branch. Such varieties, as a rule, have gherkins. Very good for salting.
- Shade-tolerant - it is often better to plant summer cucumbers on a sunny bed, the exception is this species, which feels great in the shade.
- Early ripening - this type is suitable for those who want to get the crop 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 kind of cucumber. It tolerates various temperature fluctuations. Resistant to drought.
- Bee-pollinated - in order to collect the best harvest, along with the usual seeds they sow empty flowers, then pollination by insects will be better 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. Such a plant does not require pollination by bees.
The chemical composition and nutritional value of cucumber
The chemical composition of fresh cucumber is quite rich. This product is considered extremely beneficial to the human body. Carotene and vitamins are present in the cucumber:
- In 1 ;
- In 2 ;
- B 9 (folic acid)
- WITH.
Also, the fruits are rich in the following trace elements:
- iron;
- phosphorus;
- potassium
- sodium;
- manganese;
- chlorine;
- chromium;
- copper;
- zinc;
- iodine;
- silver.
There is a lot of fiber in the skin of this fruit. The composition of the cucumber can vary greatly depending on the place of growth and soil.
The 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 attributed to diet. A lot of people like cucumbers. The composition and nutritional value of this product are ideal for dieters. With the help of a cucumber, this can be done easily. It can be found in many diets. The cucumber contains almost one water - 95-98%. The remaining 2-5 percent are nutrients. Cucumber has a positive effect on the human body:
- Reduces the risk of kidney stones and liver formation.
- Favorably affects the heart and blood vessels.
- Improves the functioning of the thyroid gland.
- It has a laxative effect.
- It reduces swelling due to the fact that it can remove excess fluid from the body.
- Slightly reduces blood pressure.
- Cucumber seeds are able to cleanse the body of cholesterol.
- It has a rejuvenating effect.
- Improves skin color and tone.
- Favorably affects the health of teeth and gums.
- It has a mild analgesic effect.
- In folk medicine it is used as a remedy for chronic cough.
Contraindications
Despite its useful qualities, this product still has contraindications. To whom is a cucumber contraindicated? The composition of the product is such that it primarily acts as a powerful cleanser. It is contraindicated for people:
- With renal failure.
- With acute hepatitis.
- With exacerbation of gastritis, colitis.
- With biliary tract discension during an exacerbation.
With individual intolerance, a cucumber is also contraindicated. The chemical composition of this product may cause allergic reactions.
Cucumber Dishes and Preservation
Fresh fruit is usually used in cooking. Heat treatment, not including preservation, is rarely used. Salads are made from cucumber, for example vinaigrette or olivier. They are simply laid on the table in a cut form. Pickles are added to some soups, such as pickle. Although there are some recipes in which the fruits are fried, boiled, baked. The taste of these dishes is specific. In addition, heat treatment destroys most of the nutrients. Canned cucumbers according to various recipes. They are:
- Pickled - prepared using hot brine.
- Salted - a cold salting method is used to prepare this type of cucumber.
- Salted - like pickled, poured with hot brine. The fastest way.
Is it possible for children to cucumber
Many children are very fond of this product. 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, it is necessary to adhere to simple rules:
- Buy cucumbers only in high 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 adding chemicals to the soil where it grew in a cucumber.
The chemical composition of this product may cause allergic reactions in children. In addition, the cucumber is contraindicated in children:
- With individual congenital intolerance.
- Allergic to pollen.
- With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.