Should you peel cucumber before eating? | The Times of India (2024)

One of the most refreshing summer offerings, cucumber is consumed both as a fruit and a vegetable. In India it is not just used in salads and drinks but also consumed in the form of raita and curries. Each region has its own favourite cucumber recipe.

They are not just rich in water content, making them hydrating but they are also rich in some essential vitamins and minerals. With just 30 calories in one cucumber and zeo fat, they also contain fibre, vitamin c, Potassium and Manganese. They are a rich source of Vitamin K and pack 57% of the daily value. Vitamin K helps blood clot and keeps bones healthy. The lignans present in cucumbers may help prevent osteoporosis, heart ailments, and a few cancers.

Antioxidants such as beta carotene in cucumbers can help fight free radicals and delay ageing. Celebrity nutritionist Samdhya Gugnani says, "Cucumbers are high in fiber and in certain vitamins and minerals. It is low in calories and high in water content so helps in weight loss . It is rich in antioxidants so therefore prevents chronic illnesses."

Cucumber is a versatile vegetable and finds various uses in Indian kitchen and this makes it a high demand vegetable. To meet the demand, they are often sprayed with growth chemicals and preservatives making their consumption quite unhealthy. It is often advised that one should peel the cucumber and eat as the peel may contain chemicals and dirt.

Salads: Cucumber is an integral part of Indian salads. It is impossible to imagine any salad without chunks of thuis hydrating vegetable.

As it is: Cucumbers are often just cut and peeled and eaten with salt and pepper as a snack.

Raita: Keerey ka Raita is one of the most popular North Indian dishes. Grated cucumber is mixed with curd, spices and green chillies and served.

Cucumber Curry: A popular South Indian dish, it is made by cooking cucumber with spices.

Cucumber cooler: A very refreshing and hydrating drink, it is made by adding sugar, salt and spices to freshly squeezed cucumber juice

"Peeling of the skin may lead to loss of most of its nutrients and health benefits. So to maximise their nutritional benefits they should be consumed unpeeled." says Sandhya.

If you are not removing the peel, wash the cucumber thoroughly with running water. Now soak it in warm water with some salt and turmeric and a little baking soda for 10 minutes. Wash by rubbing well. Now pat dry and consume unpeeled!