COOL AS A CUCUMBER!

Great ways to use cucumber to help you cool down in the summer heat!

Cucumber is a refreshing low calorie treat, fabulous for the skin and can be utilized in many delicious ways! It may be used in beverages and food products. It makes a lovely addition to any skin care product and sliced cucumbers are a great anti-puffy treat for the eyes. They are a great diet tool for filling the belly with a very low calorie intake, approximately 18 calories for every 10 slices of cucumber!!!

Cucumbers are low in saturated fat, calories, sodium and in cholesterol. They are a good source for Fiber, Folate, Copper, Potassium, Pantothenic Acid, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Manganese, Thiamin, Vitamins A, B6, C and K.

In skin care cucumbers cooling qualities are historically said to reduce swelling and the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Cucumbers contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid which are both reported to help soothe skin irritations while reducing swelling. These ingredients are also known to prevent water retention (why they would work for puffy eyes).

Some of our favorite cucumber uses are cucumber water, cucumber rosemary water and cucumber salad. Here are some of our prized, well used recipes!

Cucumber Water & Cucumber Rosemary Water ~ All you need is a pitcher, fresh cucumbers, fresh rosemary if your making cucumber rosemary water, purified water and ice cubes. Cut one full cucumber into slices, we leave a bit of peel on the cucumbers but you don’t have too. Put the cucumber in the pitcher and 2 small sprigs of rosemary if you are using rosemary, add about 2 cups of ice, pour water over the mix and refrigerate for about 1 hour before serving. This makes a fantastic beverage to serve with most any meal, its cooling and refreshing to the body and soul on any hot humid day!

Cucumber Salad – This recipe is from
http://www.cooks.com/ . http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1743,157180-250205,00.html

CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD WITH DILL

3 med. cucumbers, sliced

1 med. sweet onion, thinly sliced

1 tbsp. sugar

1 c. sour cream

1/2 c. white wine vinegar

5 tbsp. fresh dill, chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

Dash pepper

In a bowl make alternating layers of cucumbers and sliced onion, sprinkling with chopped dill. Combine sour cream, sugar, white wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over cucumbers. Let chill at least 4 hours.
Then Enjoy!


I wish you cool and joyful summer days!
Cheers, Kelly Lynch Ring & The Ringletts