The origins of cucumber can be traced back to India and one of the earliest vegetables to be grown as food, estimated to be since 4000 years ago. This widely cultivated plant belongs to the gourd family of Cucurbitaceae.

Here are some facts about the healthy cucumbers.

• Cucumber in ancient times was not only consumed but also used for its medicinal properties. The skin was peeled off as people believed it to be poisonous.

• The cultivation and popularity of cucumber grew across Asia and was carried by travellers who travelled across the deserts to Egypt. The high water content in cucumber helped them stay hydrated during their long periods of journey.

• It was in 1st millennia BC that that first cucumber was taken from India to the Middle East, then North Africa and finally to Ancient Rome and Greece by Alexander the Great.

• There are a wide variety of cucumbers available in different parts of the world today. For example, the skin of Persian cucumbers is waxy in texture that helps to seal its moisture while Gherkin Cucumbers are 2 inches long, dark green in colour and prickly in texture. They are used for making pickles.

• Cucumbers are said to have about 96% of water content in them. This is the reason the phrase “as cool as a cucumber” was coined.

• Cucumbers tend to age faster if stored alongside other fruits like apples, melons or tomatoes.

• The inside of a cucumber measures about 20 degrees cooler than the outside air and the flavour imparted to this vegetable comes from its seeds.

• Around 10-20 bee visits on an average are required for the produce of a single cucumber.

• Around 20-25 cucumbers can be produced from a single vine.

• Cucumbers are considered very healthy because they are so rich in minerals and vitamins including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, carbohydrates, Vitamin C etc. all of which aid in boosting the metabolism of our body.

• Cucumbers are very low on calories. One cup of sliced cucumber would only account for 8 calories.

• Cucumbers grow best in warm weather and are produced in a short season.

• Environmental stress factors such as sudden cold, lack of irrigation, poor soil etc. can damage the produce of cucumber rendering their taste bitter.

• Cucumbers are green in colour due to their chlorophyll content and are considered to be a valuable phytonutrient for the body.

• The inhaling of steam and aroma released from the slices of one whole cucumber in a boiling pot of water can be extremely relaxing and help alleviate stress.

• Cucumber is extremely healthy for the skin as well helping gets rid of cellulite and tightens pores. Sliced cucumbers can also help get rid of tan and dark circles around the eyes.

Cucumbers today are widely consumed as a snack, in salads, and in pickles. Some are even made into a juice or soup for consumption while some are simply consumed raw. The English cucumber can be eaten with the skin. Rejuvenate and revitalise your skin by consuming cucumber on a daily basis as it also keep yourself well hydrated in the process with this wonder vegetable.