Smashed Cucumber Salad (2024)

FAQs

Why are people smashing cucumbers? ›

But smashing the cucumbers, as they do in the Sichuan version, breaks up their internal structure in a helpfully haphazard way. This allows the cucumbers to release water faster and results in a better-tasting salad. Here's why it makes such a difference.

Cucumbers are often soaked in salt water to remove some of the naturally high water content. Cucumbers will otherwise give up water and dilute the salad dressing. Unpeeled cucumbers are higher in nutritional value as fiber and vitamin A are lost by peeling.

First, unless you can find seedless cucumbers, you must eviscerate them. Cucumber seeds, slimy, springy and evasive, will ruin the texture of any salad, soup or dip. Then, you must salt them to draw out as much liquid as possible.

After the cucumbers have been salted for a period of time, you'll want to rinse off the excess salt. At this point, you may be thinking 'what the hell, I just spent all this time removing the water!

That's why chefs and home chefs from Asian cuisine have been using this technique of crushing cucumbers before slicing them for a long time. The reason for this is most likely to make sure the vegetable dries out a little bit. This way, it will become more flavoursome and it can absorb other flavours better.

Cucumber water is a very hydrating drink. It has many potential health benefits, including weight loss, lowering blood pressure, helping bone health, and improving skin health. It is straightforward to make, and people can enjoy it at any time.

How long can you keep cucumber slices in water? After a few hours the cucumber will start to release its water and shrivel up. This won't affect the taste right away, but it might not look at appetizing. For the best taste, drink the water within about six to 12 hours of making it.

The vinegar enhances the natural flavor in the cucumbers, and every crunchy bite is refreshing. The flavor of vinegar used in the dressing is a matter of preference. Apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, and white vinegar all give their own unique flavor to the dressing.

Cucumbers are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, and offer a low-calorie, crunchy snack that many dogs love. Cucumbers only contain about 8 calories per one-half cup of slices, compared to the 40 calories in a single medium dog biscuit. Cucumbers are also very low in sodium and fat-free.

The light-white or clear coating of slime you may find on your cucumbers is a sign that the rotting process has begun, and it's just matter of time before they totally spoil.

How long can you soak cucumbers in salt water? ›

Cold Salt Water Brine

The next step is to make a saltwater solution and soak your cucumbers for a minimum of 12 hours (up to 7 days). The beauty of soaking your cucumbers is that you don't need to be ready to make pickles right when you pick your cucumbers (or bring them home from the market).

Why is my cucumber salad frothy? This happens when the cucumbers release the moisture within them. It's completely normal and doesn't change the taste of the salad. Stir the salad, and if desired, add in more sour cream to thicken it up.

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.

Why are some TikTok users going live while holding cucumbers? The wacky trend was started by TikTok user @Faystar who began to go live everyday while holding a cucumber. Although some users have copied the trend, the popularity is mainly due to peoples' curiosity.

Cut the top and rub the ends together and it makes the cucumber better. No lie. But does it actually work and should we all be milking our cucumbers? "Yes, this is a real thing," John Adler, vice president of culinary operations at meal-kit delivery service Blue Apron, told TODAY.

Now we know there is a genetic basis. Cucumbers contain related organic compounds that are thought to cause the smell and taste some people find repugnant and others don't notice at all. A gene called TAS2R38 is responsible. It's true; that cucumber hate is actually encoded in their genes!