June: Cucumbers

Arizona Local Food Feature

Locate: Cucumbers are crisp, refreshing, low-calorie vegetables (botanically fruits) belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family made of ~96% water. They are widely available in grocery stores and farmer's markets. Seeds are available on Native Seed Search.

Nutrition Components: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Antioxidants, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Fiber

Recipe: Cucumber Salad

1 medium-sized Armenian Long Cucumber, sliced

1 cup Romaine lettuce, lightly chopped

½ red bell pepper, minced

½ yellow bell pepper, minced

1 clove of garlic, finely minced

¼ cup red onion, sliced

1 Tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

Salt, to taste

Sesame seeds, to taste

1 ½ Tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

• Combine ingredients in a large salad bowl and Mix until the salad is thoroughly covered in olive oil.

Flavor Profile: mild, clean, subtly sweet and vegetal

Classroom Activity Suggestion: Cucumber Water. Use leftover cucumber slices to make infused water.