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Cucumbers, although mainly known for their culinary use, also have several interesting medicinal properties. Here is a detailed look at the medicinal benefits of cucumber, focusing on its nutritional and therapeutic properties:

• Medicinal Properties of Cucumber
  Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
  Hydration: Cucumbers are composed of about 95% of water, making them an excellent food for hydration. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining bodily functions, including regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and eliminating toxins.
• Electrolyte Balance: Their high water content helps maintain electrolyte balance, which is important for the proper functioning of cells and organs.
• Rich in Nutrients
• Vitamins and Minerals: Cucumbers contain essential vitamins such as vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health, as well as vitamins C and B. They are also a good source of minerals like potassium and magnesium, which are important for muscle function and blood pressure regulation.
  Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants such as flavonoids and tannins, which help neutralize free radicals in the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
•  Anti-inflammatory effects
  Reduced inflammation: The anti-inflammatory compounds found in cucumbers, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, may help reduce signs of inflammation. This may be beneficial for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
•  Beneficial Effects on the Skin
  Skin Hydration: Due to their high water content, cucumbers are often used in skin care to help with hydration. They can reduce skin dryness and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
  Reduces Dark Circles and Puffiness: Cucumbers are also used as eye compresses to reduce dark circles and puffiness due to their anti-inflammatory properties and cooling effect.
•  Digestive Effects
  Regulates bowel movements: Cucumbers are rich in fiber, especially cellulose, which can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Fiber also contributes to digestive health by promoting a balanced gut microbiota.
• Diuretic effects
  Diuretic action: Cucumber has a mild diuretic effect, which can help eliminate excess fluid in the body. This can be useful in preventing water retention and supporting kidney function.
• Anticancer Properties
  Phytochemicals: Certain compounds found in cucumbers, such as cucurbitacins, have shown anticancer properties in preliminary studies. These compounds may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

• Medicinal Use of Cucumber
  Culinary Applications
  Incorporation into the Diet: Consuming fresh cucumbers in salads, smoothies or juices can provide the nutritional and medicinal benefits described above.
• Topical Applications
  Masks and compresses: Cucumbers can be applied directly to the skin in slices or pureed form to soothe skin irritations, reduce dark circles and improve hydration.
  Considerations
• While cucumbers offer many health benefits, it is important to consume them as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. As with any food, it is best to include them in moderation in a variety of diets to maximize their benefits while avoiding possible adverse effects.

In summary, cucumbers are both a delicious and beneficial food, offering a range of medicinal properties that contribute to overall health and well-being. Their richness in water, fiber, and essential nutrients makes them a wise choice to support various aspects of health.

Cucumbers are incredibly versatile in the kitchen, and they can be prepared in a variety of ways to take advantage of their crisp texture and fresh flavor. Here are some classic and innovative recipes for cooking with cucumbers:

• Classic Cucumber Salad
  Ingredients :

2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/4 red onion, chopped
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh or dried dill (optional)
Preparation :

Mix the vinegar, sugar, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl to make the dressing.
Add the cucumber slices and chopped onion.
Mix well to coat the vegetables with the dressing.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Garnish with fresh or dried dill if desired.

• Asian Pickled Cucumber
  Ingredients :

2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
Preparation :

In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, sesame seeds, ginger and garlic.
Add the cucumber slices and mix well.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

•  Cold Cucumber Soup (Cucumber Gazpacho)
  Ingredients :

2 cucumbers, peeled and cut into pieces
1 plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation :

Blend the cucumber pieces with the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice and mint leaves until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Refrigerate before serving so the soup is very cold.
4. Cucumber and Hummus Wraps
Ingredients :

1 cucumber, cut into thin slices
1/2 cup hummus
1/4 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup sliced red pepper
Lettuce or mint leaves
Preparation :

Spread a thin layer of hummus on each cucumber slice.
Garnish with grated carrots, pepper and lettuce or mint leaves.
Carefully roll the cucumber slices to form small wraps.

•  Greek Tzatziki
  Ingredients :

1 medium cucumber, grated and drained
1 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of white vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation :

Grate the cucumber and squeeze it to remove excess water.
In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber with the Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, vinegar, dill, salt and pepper.
Mix well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
6. Cucumber with Yogurt and Mint
Ingredients :

2 cucumbers, sliced
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation :

Mix the yogurt with the fresh mint, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Add the cucumber slices and mix well.
Refrigerate before serving to allow flavors to blend.

• Quick Cucumber Pickles
  Ingredients :

4 miniature or 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup of water
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon of salt
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 clove garlic, minced
Preparation :

In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, coriander seeds and garlic. Heat until sugar and salt are dissolved.
Place the cucumber slices in a clean jar.
Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the cucumbers.
Allow to cool to room temperature before sealing the jar. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before consuming.
These recipes show how creative and tasty cucumber can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether in salads, wraps, soups, dips or pickles, cucumbers add a touch of freshness and crunch to your meals.

• I advise you to use biodegradable pots. The following seedlings have a reputation for having fragile roots.

Sometimes the problem is relatively minor and they can be grown in ordinary pots and trays if care is taken not to break their roots when transplanting.

• If you want to sow them indoors, a biodegradable pot is almost a must! for all varieties of cucumber, melon, squash, zucchini.

Because these are varieties that they don't like to have the roots touched.

• On the other hand, when you transplant plants in biodegradable pots or put them directly in the ground outside, you must make sure to bury the entire container, otherwise your plant risks dying.

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

• Species: Cucumis sativus
• Sowing: Early April in pots (under cover, outdoor greenhouse) or early May in indoor pots
• Seeds: 2 seeds per pot, start of May and plant in the ground at the beginning of June
• Sowing depth: 1-2cm
• Germination time: 3-6 days | days
• Soil: Slightly acidic, humus-rich, loose, fresh and well-drained
• Location: Requires warm growing and plenty of sun
• Spacing between plants: 55-60cm
• Height at maturity: 180-190cm | Ideally train on a trellis or rope stake
•  Maturity: 58-65 days | Very prolific
• Seed per envelope: +/- 25
  Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.