Celebrate Cucumber Day: We love our Qukes® to snack anytime.

To celebrate International Cucumber Day, we take a #perfectionfreshmoment to honour this incredible vegetable and much-loved hero of the produce world. Our Perfection Fresh Qukes® baby Cucumbers, grown here in Australia, turns 10 this year, making it the perfect snack for any occasion and even more reason to celebrate. Cucumbers' delicious crispness and hydrating properties have captivated people throughout history, from ancient Egypt to Asia, where they have been cherished for their culinary and medicinal purposes. In addition to their rich history and appealing taste, cucumbers offer a wealth of essential nutrients. Packed with vitamin C, as well as minerals like beta-carotene, cucumbers play a vital role in everyone's diet.

A Historical Journey

Cucumbers have a fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. Believed to have originated in the ancient lands of India and parts of Western Asia, cucumbers have been cultivated since at least 4,000 years BCE. Over time, through selective propagation, humans managed to develop larger, sweeter, and less bitter varieties of cucumbers. The cultivation of cucumbers spread across various ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where they became highly valued for their nutritional benefits and cooling properties in the hot Mediterranean climate. Today, small cucumber varieties like Qukes® are loved for their crisp texture, sweeter flavour and snackability. In Greek and Roman civilizations cucumbers were considered an essential part of their diet and the Romans even built unique greenhouses called "Specularia" to grow cucumbers throughout the year. Appearing in various global flavours worldwide, from the refreshing raita in Indian cuisine to the delicious cucumber and meat combinations in middle eastern cooking, cucumbers continue to be a beloved vegetable in cuisines across the globe, appreciated for their versatility, crunch, and hydrating properties.

Celebrating 10 years at Perfection Fresh

Qukes® Baby cucumbers were first introduced to the Perfection Fresh Produce family in 2013 and have since won the hearts of (not only our consumers) but have become a key ingredient in everyone’s diet. Qukes® Baby cucumbers, with their vibrant green colour and crisp texture, not only make a delightful addition to salads and lunchboxes but also boast an impressive nutritional profile. These petite vegetables are packed with water, making them an excellent choice for staying hydrated during the hot summer months. Their high-water content helps to quench thirst and replenish fluids in the body, promoting overall hydration. Also, Qukes® baby cucumbers are a rich source of essential vitamins like vitamin C, which is known for its immune-boosting properties. Try the delicious Dukkah Crusted Qukes Baby Cucumbers recipe

Embrace the Cucumber

By incorporating Qukes® baby cucumbers into your diet, you can give your body a refreshing dose of hydration and a significant boost of vitamins. In addition to their hydration benefits, Qukes® baby cucumbers are low in calories and fat, making them a smart choice for individuals aiming to manage their weight. The fibre content in Qukes® supports healthy digestion to help keep you regular. Moreover, Qukes® baby cucumbers are a good source of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and flavonoids, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Recent scientific studies have highlighted the nutritional value of baby cucumbers, showcasing their potential to enhance skin health and support a balanced diet.

Perfect for any occasion

As a morning energiser Qukes® baby cucumbers are perfect for a quick snack in the morning to fill you up and keep you going until lunch or when the afternoon slump hits and you need a little ‘pick-me-up.’ Try this delicious hydration jar with green tea and lemon recipe. Incorporating these tiny superfoods into your meals can offer a delicious way to promote hydration, manage weight, support digestion, and boost your overall well-being in recipes. For more delicious and healthy Qukes® recipes, browse our website at perfection.com.au

#recipes #salads #freshfood #perfectionfreshaustralia #healthyvarieddiet #internationalcucumberday #perfectionfreshqukes #cucumber

Resources:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283006#takeaway

2. https://www.canna.com.au/about_canna

3. NSW Local Land Services & Hort Innovation. Greenhouse Cucumber Production. 2019 edition.