Ah, the humble cucumber—a crisp, cool companion in the sweltering heat of summer. I remember last July, trying to escape the relentless sun, and finding solace in a chilled glass of cucumber juice—it was like sipping on a sweet, green whisper of relief. This simple concoction isn’t just a refreshing delight but a burst of health in a glass, a true testament to nature’s uncomplicated genius.
Steps
- Begin by thoroughly rinsing the cucumber under cold water and scrubbing it gently with a vegetable brush. Slice off both ends of the cucumber and rub them against the main body to remove bitterness, then give it a final rinse.
- Chop the entire cucumber, including its skin, and place the pieces into a blender or juicer. Add mint leaves, lemon juice, and a pinch of Himalayan or black salt to the blender.
- If desired, include fresh ginger and black pepper for an added flavor kick. Add ice cubes or coconut water cubes for a refreshing touch.
- Blend all ingredients until smooth, then strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl. Press down on the pulp with a spoon to extract any remaining juice.
- Taste the juice and adjust the seasoning with more lemon juice or salt as needed. Optionally, you can add chaat masala for extra flavor.
- Serve the cucumber juice over ice, garnishing with mint leaves or a lemon wedge if desired. Enjoy this refreshing drink immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber (or 2 small)
- 4 to 6 ice cubes (or chilled water or coconut water)
- 8 to 12 mint leaves
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice or lime juice or 1 orange
- 1 pinch of salt (pink or black)
- Optional: ¼ inch fresh ginger, peeled
- Optional: ? teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: ¼ to ½ teaspoon chaat masala (or roasted cumin powder)
- Optional: 3 to 4 celery stalks (cut into 2-inch pieces)
Nutritional Values
Calories 43 | Fat 1g | Saturated Fat 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat 1g | Monounsaturated Fat 1g | Sodium 11mg | Potassium 442mg | Carbohydrates 8g | Fiber 3g | Sugar 4g | Protein 2g | Vitamin A 542IU | Vitamin C 17mg | Calcium 61mg | Iron 1mg
FAQ
- Why are cucumbers sometimes bitter?
- Cucumbers produce a compound known as cucurbitacin, which can cause bitterness. The level of this compound can vary depending on growing conditions.
- Can I eat bitter cucumbers?
- While commercially sold cucumbers may be mildly bitter, they are generally safe to eat. However, if a homegrown cucumber is extremely bitter, it’s best to discard it to avoid any potential adverse effects.
- How can I reduce the bitterness in cucumbers?
- To minimize bitterness, you can cut off the ends and peel the skin where bitterness is most concentrated. Rubbing the ends of the cucumber together to release frothy substances and rinsing well can also help. Additionally, salting the cucumber can temper the bitter taste.
- What are the nutritional benefits of cucumber juice?
- Cucumber juice is highly hydrating as cucumbers are about 96% water. It is also a good source of vitamins C and K, antioxidants, fiber, and various minerals, all of which contribute to maintaining overall health.
- Which types of cucumbers are best for juicing?
- English (hothouse) and Persian cucumbers are excellent choices for juicing due to their mild flavor, thin skin, and minimal seeds. Japanese cucumbers, known for their sweetness, are also ideal for making cucumber juice.
Tips
- Choose cucumbers that are dark green with minimal blemishes for the freshest taste and crisp texture. Ensure they are firm, not soft or wrinkly.
- Wash cucumbers thoroughly under cold water and scrub them gently with a vegetable brush to eliminate any remaining dirt, bacteria, or pesticides.
- To reduce bitterness, slice off the ends of the cucumber and rub each sliced end against the cucumber until a frothy substance forms, then rinse well.
- When making cucumber juice, consider adding ingredients like mint, lemon juice, or a hint of ginger to enhance the flavor and add nutritional benefits.
Equipment
- Blender, Food Processor, or Juicer: Essential for processing the cucumber and other ingredients into juice.
- Fine Mesh Sieve: Used for straining the juice to remove pulp. If not already owned, you might want to purchase one.
- Cheesecloth or Jelly Bag: Optional but useful for an extra fine strain, especially if you want a very smooth juice without any pulp.
- Vegetable or Fruit Brush: For cleaning cucumbers thoroughly.
