Current cucumber craze!
Current cucumber craze!
You may have spotted me on TVNZ’s Seven Sharp having a chat with Hilary and Jeremy about cucumbers – who knew they’d become the latest craze! I don’t have a video clip to share just yet but wanted to highlight a few key key points for you:
Yes, cucumbers are great to include in your diet, but remember, they’re 97% water so they’re not a nutritional powerhouse on their own. For the best health benefits, aim to eat a variety of vegetables – and go for a rainbow of colours on your plate to maximise your nutrient intake.
According to Ministry of Health guidelines, we should aim for at least five servings of vegetables per day, and two servings of fruit. A single serving of vegetables is about a handful, so it’s more achievable than you might think!
To keep cucumbers fresh for longer, remove the plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in your fridge.
It’s a good idea to add cucumber slices to your water instead of acidic lemon juice which is not great for your teeth – this is especially hydrating and refreshing during the summer months when cucumbers are at their peak freshness and very affordable.
Related: Easy ways to add more veggies and how to make water more interesting!
Need some inspiration?
🥒 Tzatziki (cucumber and yoghurt dip)
🍅 Tomato and basil salad (with cucumber and feta)
🍤 Thai-style prawn salad (with cucumber and crunchy vegetables)
Enjoy!
