Cucumis sativus var. sativus/The lemon cucumber is a small, oval-shaped fruit, approximately 2-3 inches in length, that closely resembles a lemon. Although the skin of the fruit is a light green during its development and closely resembles a lime, it will turn a golden yellow when the fruit becomes ripe. Scientifically known as Cucumis sativus, the inner flesh of this fruit has a similar consistency and appearance to traditional cucumber. However, the flavor is slightly sweeter than the bitter, earthy flavor of traditional cucumbers. Cucumbers are actually fruits that are commonly referred to as vegetables, but the yellow cucumber takes this one step further and disguises itself as a fruit – namely a lemon! There is also a small bulbous growth on one end of this fruit, giving it the appearance of a navel orange. [rx]
| Lemon Cucumber Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Lemon Cucumber |
| Scientific Name: | Cucumis sativus var. sativus |
| Origin | India or the Middle-East |
| Colors | Light green when young turning to golden yellow |
| Shapes | Small, spherical to oval-shaped fruit, approximately 5-7 centimeters in length |
| Flesh colors | Pale green to yellow |
| Taste | The slightly sweeter, earthy flavor |
| Health benefits | Relive burns caused by piles, good for heart diseases, fight against stress. eliminate constipation, cure-all type of liver diseases |
Lemon cucumber, also known as Garden Lemon, yellow cucumber, Apple cucumber, Budamkaya, Dosakai, Crystal Lemon, Crystal Apple, is part of the gourd family, which includes squashes and melons. Lemon cucumber, botanically classified as Cucumis sativus var. sativus, get their name from the lemon-yellow color of its skin but does not have a flavor similar to an actual lemon. A slightly sweeter version of the green cucumbers you’re probably used to, lemon cucumbers are spherical in shape and bright yellow, giving them the appearance of a lemon. Due to their slightly sweet nature, lemon cucumbers are more adaptable than their traditional green cousins, although harder to find.
Lemon cucumber offers quite a few beneficial nutrients, including vitamin A & C, iron, and calcium, as well as various antioxidants and active ingredients. However, compared to other vegetables and fruits, lemon cucumber has a relatively low concentration of nutrients. There are only about 20 calories in one cup of raw lemon cucumber.
Plant Description
The lemon cucumber is an annual vigorous climbing plant with long, weak, trailing, and climbing stems that are four to five angled and up to 5 m long. The plants are vines that grow up to 5 m (16.4 ft.) long. The leaves are hairy and alternate. The flowers are yellow having 4 cm (1.6 in) as a diameter. The plant yields flowers during summer and early autumn. The lemon cucumber plant thrives well in moist, well-drained, and nutrient-rich soil. The plant completes its lifecycle in one year.
Fruit
Lemon cucumbers are a small, spherical to oval-shaped fruit, approximately 5-7 centimeters in length, and often have a small protrusion at the blossom end, somewhat like a navel orange. Although the skin of the fruit is a light green during its development and closely resembles a lime, it will turn a golden yellow when the fruit becomes ripe. Fruit skin is thin and tender with some striping and mottling and has tiny spines that are edible but can easily be removed. The inner flesh of this fruit has a similar consistency and appearance to traditional cucumber with edible seeds and has a mild, sweet taste with a cool, crisp texture. However, the flavor is slightly sweeter than the bitter, earthy flavor of traditional cucumbers. Cucumbers are actually fruits that are commonly referred to as vegetables, but the yellow cucumber takes this one step further and disguises itself as a fruit namely a lemon! There is also a small bulbous growth on one end of this fruit, giving it the appearance of a navel orange.
History
Lemon cucumbers are believed to have originated in India or the Middle East in the 16th century as referenced by ancient Middle Eastern texts. , it was introduced to America sometime between 1894 and 1905 but there are Middle-Eastern documents that mention this variety from the 16th century, making its likely origin from around this time in either the Middle-East or India. Today, Lemon cucumbers can be found at farmers’ markets and specialty grocers in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Lemon cucumbers are grown just like regular cucumbers. They are a vigorous climbing variety that can be grown indoors in a greenhouse or polytunnel or outdoors in humus-rich, moist soil and sunshine. They can also be grown in containers and given trellises to scramble over.
Health Benefits
It’s Low in Calories
Whether you’re looking to lose weight or you just want to avoid gaining weight, it is essential to control your liquid caloric intake, as the University of Rochester Medical Center notes, because liquid calories can significantly affect your caloric intake. At just 35 calories per cup, cucumber and lemon juice — made from three-quarters of a cup of peeled cucumber and one-quarter of a cup of lemon juice — contains just two percent of the calories allowed in a typical, 2,000-calorie diet. Each serving contains significantly fewer calories than apple, orange, and pineapple juices, which clocks in at 112, 114, and 133 calories per cup, respectively.
It Has Vitamin C
Drinking lemon and cucumber juice also provide essential vitamin C. The vitamin C from your diet supports brain cell communication, boosts collagen production to strengthen your tissues, and also helps your body process cholesterol. As part of a diet high in vitamin C, cucumber and lemon juice also fight chronic diseases, such as coronary artery disease. A one-cup serving of cucumber and lemon juice contains 29.5 milligrams of vitamin C, which is 33 percent of the recommended daily intake for men and 39 percent for women.
It Has Vitamin K
Add cucumber and lemon juice to your diet and you’ll also increase your vitamin K intake. Vitamin K affects small blood cells, called platelets, which your body relies on to control bleeding. When they pass by the site of tissue damage, your platelets form aggregates that plug the wound, cutting off bleeding. Vitamin K is essential for these aggregations — or blood clots — to form. It also plays other roles in your health, promoting healthy bone-tissue growth and helping in cell communication. Consuming a cup of cucumber and lemon juice increases your vitamin K intake by 13.2 micrograms, which is 11 percent of the daily vitamin K intake recommended for men and 15 percent for women.
Hydrates bod
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the human body requires enough water to function properly and maintain overall health Averagely, women are supposed to take a minimum of 9 glasses of water while men are supposed to take 13 cups of water daily. Your fluid needs may increase as you continue with your day-to-day activities. Drinking lemon and cucumber water count towards your daily intake of water. The lemon will add extra taste to make it even more interesting.
Weight loss
Going for sugary drinks such as sodas will only put you at risk of increased calories and sugar your body does not need. Lemon and cucumber water, on the other hand, has zero calories. It will allow you to enjoy a flavored drink without taking excess calories and sugar. Also, there are chances that you might confuse thirst for hunger, such that you end up over-snacking or overeating. To determine whether your feelings are thirst or hunger, try taking this drink and see if the pangs persist.
Alkalizes body
It is rare for most diseases to thrive in an alkaline environment. Both lemons and cucumbers are alkaline in nature. Once the lemon is metabolized, it becomes alkaline.
Hence, they join the list of foods that will help your body function at its optimal level. When it comes to matters staying healthy, a balanced body PH is key.
Help to Clear Skin
Yet another lemon and cucumber water benefit is clear skin. The water is packed with Vitamin C, silica, and antioxidants.
Silica is considered nature’s anti-aging secret.
This water will cleanse toxins that would normally erupt as unsightly blemishes from your body.
Source Of antioxidant
Oxidative damage puts you at risk of various diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases. They help to prevent and delay cell damage from oxidative stress. The cucumbers present in this water are high in antioxidants and other nutrients. Cucumbers are rich in the following antioxidants: calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K.
Lower Blood Pressure
If your diet is high in sodium and low in potassium, you risk having high blood pressure. One of the ways to improve this is to increase the amount of potassium in your diet. As it is, cucumbers that are present in the lemon cucumber water are a great source of potassium. This, therefore, makes them a better way to add potassium into your diet, to create a better sodium-potassium balance, and in turn lower your blood pressure.
Muscle Health
Muscular health benefits from the lemon and cucumber water because the cucumbers in this water will supply your body with silica to improve your muscular health. This compound is not common in most foods but is found in large amounts in cucumbers. It contributes to the growth and maintenance of connective tissue throughout your body. Collagen and elastin present in your connective tissue are responsible for connecting your cells and holding them in place. Your connective tissue also plays a large role in your body’s natural healing process if you sustain an injury to the soft tissue. Silica intake may increase the formation of collagen around your wound. Next time you visit your gym, do not leave lemon and cucumber water behind.
Promote Healing
Vitamin C and antioxidants are other lemons and cucumber water benefits.
These two will double up as your immune system booster, helping you fight free radicals and stay healthy.
Prevent Cancer
Since cucumbers are Cucurbitaceae members, they are furnished with a high level of bitter-tasting nutrients called cucurbitacin.
This nutrient is another benefit of lemon cucumber water benefit. According to an article published in the International Journal of Health Services, cucurbitacin may help prevent cancer by stopping cancer cells’ reproduction.
This review aimed to elucidate the natural sources of some cucurbitacin compounds, their chemical structure, derivatives, physical properties, biological activities, and the mechanism by which they reduce the proliferation of human cancer cells.
Help In Digestions
Citrus flavonoids are another lemon and cucumber water benefit. They purify and stimulate your liver. You are recommended to take this water, especially if you have been partying hard and want to embark on a liquor cleanse, to re-balance your body. A whole cucumber has an average of 45 calories only while a lemon contains only 17 calories. Adding a few slices of both will not interfere with your calorie levels.
Boost Energy
The potassium in the lemons in your water will help with your brain and nerve function, which can increase your alertness. Also, your brain needs constant blood flow. Cerebral circulation provides the organ with the oxygen and nutrients it needs for your brain’s healthy functioning, such as sending the right message to the right receptors. Citrus fruits like the lemon in your water are good antioxidants and work as natural blood thinners while simultaneously preventing a plaque buildup.
Anti- Inflammatory Effects
Anti-inflammation is another lemon cucumber water benefit. The cucumbers in this water have anti-inflammatory properties. According to a piece on Medical News Today, inflammation is a function of your body’s defense mechanism against pathogens.
It Has Pantothenic Acid
Cucumber and lemon juice also offer health benefits by providing a significant amount of pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B-5. Each serving of the juice contains 0.52 milligram of pantothenic acid, which contributes 10 percent toward your daily B-5 needs. Like vitamin C, pantothenic acid helps your brain cells communicate. It also helps synthesize hormones, activates coenzymes needed for your cellular metabolism, and helps maintain healthy cell membranes.
Traditional uses and benefits of Lemon Cucumber
- Lemon is low in cucurbitacin, a naturally occurring terpenoid toxin that accounts for the bitter flavor in other varieties of cucumbers. Their quality of thin skin and lack of bitterness qualify them as a “burpless” variety.
- It is one of the very low-calorie, moisture-rich vegetables; provide just 12 calories per 100 g and plenty of water and electrolytes. Besides, it contains no saturated fats or cholesterol.
- The lemon cucumber is a good source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Roughage is the diet that helps reduce constipation problems and offers some protection against colon cancers by eliminating toxic compounds from the gut.
- These are an excellent source of potassium, an important intracellular electrolyte. 100g of cucumber provides 136 mg of potassium but only 2 mg of sodium. Potassium is a heart “friendly” electrolyte that helps in reducing total blood pressure and heart rate by countering the pressing effects of sodium.
- Lemon cucumbers contain unique antioxidants in moderate ratios such as ß-carotene and α -carotene, vitamin-C, vitamin-A, zeaxanthin, and lutein. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.
- Their total antioxidant strength, measured in terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC value), is 214 µmol TE/100g.
- Lemon cucumbers have mild diuretic properties, which are perhaps attributed to their free water, high potassium, and low sodium content. It helps in checking weight gain and high blood pressure.
- They have a significant amount of vitamin-K, providing about 7.2 µg per 100g. Vitamin-K improves bone strength by promoting osteoblastic (bone mass building) activity. It also has a proven role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease by limiting neuronal damage.
- Lemon cucumbers are great for hydrating as the flesh has very high water content.
- They also contain some vitamin C and caffeic acid, two well-known antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Skin, or rinds, can also be eaten to boost your fiber intake and if your lemon cucumbers are grown in ideal soil conditions, they will contain a lot of silica, potassium, and magnesium.
- Lemon Cucumber will eliminate constipation by regular intake of food.
- Lemon Cucumber will make urine passage easy because of its high water content.
- Lemon Cucumber when ripen will generate heat in the body and unripe will cool the body.
- Lemon Cucumber seeds decoction will cure all types of liver diseases when it was taken early morning.
- Lemon Cucumber will give relief to burns caused by piles.
- Lemon Cucumber seeds (dried) will give strength to the body and improve sperm quality.
- Lemon Cucumber seed is very useful for people suffering from heart diseases.
- Lemon Cucumber contains 96% of water (moisturizer) and potassium, vitamin-C because of this, the paste act as a powerful face pack.
- Lemon Cucumber will fight against stress.
Juices with Lemon Cucumber
- Lemon Cucumber seed powder + Grape juice will remove all types’ infections while passing urine and eliminate stains.
- Lemon Cucumber juice 1 glass+ Honey 1 Tbsp. 2-3 times a day will make easy passage for urine and also cures BP, associates, nephritis, cystitis, etc.
- Lemon Cucumber + Mint Juice will quench thirst and controls diabetics and indigestion.
- Lemon Cucumber + Buttermilk + Salt Juice will act as a remedy for sunstroke.
- Lemon Cucumber + Beetroot + Onion stems Juice will strengthen bones.
- Lemon Cucumber seeds (dried) + Coconut flowers (dried) + Milk will control diabetes.
- Lemon Cucumber seed powder + Almonds + honey + Milk will give coolness to the body, eliminate fatigue, gain weight.
- Lemon Cucumber seed powder + Curd will cure the burning sensation while passing urine.
- Lemon Cucumber roots + rinsed rice water + Honey will stop blood bleeding from the nose and mouth.
- Lemon Cucumber + Pereira tuberose (Kudzu) +Sugar Cane Juice will eliminate stones in urine passage.
- Lemon Cucumber seed (dried) + chili powder + Salt powder will cure burns while passing urine and eliminate constipation.
Beauty regimen with Lemon Cucumber
- Lemon Cucumber paste + Sandalwood powder + Turmeric + Raw milk + Almond oil + rose water, mix and apply as a face pack. This will give radiance and color to the skin.
- Lemon Cucumber paste when applied on the face, eyes, neck gives coolness and freshness.
- Lemon Cucumber paste when applied on the face will avoid pimples and give a glow to the skin.
- Lemon Cucumber paste when applied under the foot will eliminate foot burns.
Culinary Uses
- Lemon cucumbers are most often used in raw preparations but may also be pickled.
- They can be used sliced in fresh green salads, tofu salads, zucchini, and pea salads, or sliced and served fresh with basil pesto.
- Lemon cucumbers can also be juiced and used in cocktails, agua frescas, and smoothies.
- It pairs with tomatoes, summer squash, carrots, fresh herbs and cheeses, citrus, olives, and vinegar.
- Lemon cucumbers are essentially interchangeable with traditional cucumbers in recipes. They can be added to salads, sliced thinly and used in sandwiches to add crunch and light flavor, or sliced diagonally in half-inch thickness to be used instead of crackers as a vehicle for foods such as pate, dip or tuna salad.
- They’re great with other diced fruits and veggies, such as tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, snap peas or radishes.
- You can chop them up for crudité platters, toss them into salads, or use them as a side dish with tofu or tuna salad.
- Adding slices of these fruits to cocktails, or even blending them into smoothies, can provide a unique and healthy burst of flavor.
Benefits of Cucumber Water
Cucumber Water (also called cucumber-infused water and cucumber detox water) is one of those popular hydration drinks served at health spas across the country. The great thing about drinking cucumber water is – not only is it refreshing and tastes great but there’s a lot of nutritional Benefits of Cucumber Water. Cucumber Detox Water is a refreshing healthy alternative to drinking sodas, teas, and other sugary drinks, and it’s so simple to make.
Water is crucial for the human body. It acts as a carrier for nutrients and aids in the process of waste elimination. It’s essential to our health and well-being to properly stay hydrated. We can often get dehydrated through the night while we sleep, so replenishing fluids first thing in the morning is a good idea. In order to stay properly hydrated, we need to drink water throughout the day, but that can be a bit challenging and a tad boring. Adding slices of cucumber with lemon to our water adds a nice pop of flavor which makes drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily (depending on your level of health and activity) a little easier to do. (1)
Cucumber Lemon Water
Cucumber lemon water is another popular infused water to drink. Lemon adds such a refreshing pop of flavor that goes nicely with cucumber. If you want to take advantage of the full nutritional Benefits of Cucumber Water, these Hydrating Lemon Cucumber Ice Cubes are made by blending peeled cucumber and lemon juice. They’re so good (I make these a lot)!!! Besides adding these cucumber lemon ice cubes to your drinking water, rub them on your face in the morning to reduce puffiness. Just be sure to keep away from your eyes, as there is acidic lemon in them.
Is Cucumber Water Good For You
Adding cucumber-infused water to your daily wellness plan can help boost metabolism, promote weight loss, increase energy and stimulate the detoxifying process. Adding cucumber and other fresh fruit and herbs to water not only provides flavor but adds important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that you don’t get with plain water. There’s no scientific evidence that infused water detoxifies the body or makes it more alkaline. However, drinking water helps to promote overall health. (1)(2)
- Provides more energy
- Helps to suppress appetite
- Aids digestion
- Helps to burn fat and remove waste from the body (natural detoxifying process)
- Carries nutrients and oxygen to our cells
- Helps regulate blood pressure
- Stabilize heartbeat
- Regulates electrolytes
- Cushions joints
- Protects organs
- Healthier skin
Cucumber for Weight Loss
Cucumbers are low in calories and high in fiber. Some studies suggest that an increase in water consumption may help with weight loss due to the breakdown of body fat and the feeling of satiation, so we will be likely to consume less food. There is an association between chronic dehydration and elevated levels of the hormone angiotensin II (AngII) which is associated with not only weight gain and obesity but many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. (3) (4)
- Cucumber is made up of about 95% water, which helps keep the body hydrated.
- Greater water consumption correlates with weight loss.
- Since cucumbers are low in calories, carbs, and fat and high in fiber, they make a smart addition to any weight loss plan.
- Cucumber is also rich in fiber and the seeds act as diuretics that help pass urine and flush out excess waste and toxins. Drinking cucumber detox water is an easy way to take advantage of cucumber’s detoxification benefits.
- A diet rich in cucumber will promote a clean gut, a healthy digestive system, and possible weight loss.
Cucumber for Skin
Cucumber provides anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe the skin and give it a healthy rejuvenated glow. It’s an excellent source of silica, and silica is a key ingredient in collagen creation, which promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails. Silica is a trace mineral essential to our bones’ strength and density. (5)
Importance of Hydration
Drinking water is important to keep each system in our body functioning properly. Staying hydrated helps to carry nutrients and oxygen to our cells, promotes digestion, normalizes blood pressure, regulates body temperature, stabilizes the heartbeat, helps balance electrolytes, strengthens the immune system, cushions joints, protects organs and tissues, stimulates metabolism, and aids weight loss. (6) (7) (8) (9)(10) (11)
Tips To Help You Stay Hydrated
I personally think the best way to stay hydrated is to make it fun. Here are a few ideas to help you stay hydrated.
- Take a bottle of water with you wherever you go
- Add fresh fruit, berries, and herbs to your water bottle or glass of water
- Drink cucumber-infused water (and other infused waters) out of pretty wine glasses
- Get in the habit of making fruit-flavored ice cubes and keeping a variety of flavors in freezer bags in your freezer so you can conveniently make flavored water
- Whenever you finish drinking a bottle of water (or glass of water) reach for another one to drink
- Drink water instead of drinking sugary and high-calorie sodas, sports drinks, and sweetened coffee
- Consume water-rich foods. Besides drinking water and other liquids for hydration, there are many fruits and vegetables that are water-rich foods that we can consume for hydration like celery (95% water), lettuce (96% water), watermelon (92% water), and cucumber (95% water).
Signs of Dehydration
Some people are at a greater risk for dehydration, such as athletes who are in training and perform endurance events, people with chronic illnesses, infants, children, and seniors. Dehydration in the elderly is quite common. Adding flavor ice to a glass of water may make water more appealing for them to drink. Here are some of the more common symptoms of dehydration:
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Foggy thinking
- Dry mouth (cracked lips)
- Constipation
- Headache
- Sunken eyes
- Shriveled skin
- Dark urine
- Weakened immune system (frequent colds and slow would healing)
Dehydrating Foods
Each of us can run the risk of dehydration if we consume certain foods that may lead to or exasperate dehydration, such:
- Alcohol
- Salty snacks
- Sugary snacks
- Soy sauce
- Fast foods
- Fried foods
Storage
If you want to store a few lemon cucumbers for later use, proper storage is essential. The best way to protect their nutritional content and sweet flavor, wrap them in a dry paper towel and store them inside a closed plastic bag in the refrigerator. These fruits should remain firm and plump for 1-3 days, but will slowly begin to wilt or lose their freshness. For best results and the best flavor, these fruits should be used immediately after purchase or harvest.
Recipes
Lemon Cucumber Pickles
Ingredients
- 5-6 lemon cucumbers, sliced into wedges
- 1/4 large red onion, sliced
- 1 Serrano chili pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 qt. glass Mason or another jar
- 1 Tb. Himalayan or sea salt
- filtered water
Instructions
- Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and mix with the minced pepper, ginger, and lime juice. Pack this mixture into your 1 qt. glass jar.
- In a separate bowl, mix the salt with 1 cup filtered water. Pour this into the jar over your cucumbers. Add more filtered water to bring the liquid about 1 inch below the top of the jar. All of the cucumbers should be covered (rearrange/remove a few if they are not).
- Cap tightly and allow to sit for 3 days at room temperature.
- Open the jar and see if the liquid is fizzy. If not, re-cap and allow them to sit for 1-2 more days. If there is evidence of Lacto-fermentation (that’s the fizziness), go ahead and taste a pickle. If you are satisfied with the flavor, transfer it to the refrigerator for storage.
Lemon Cucumber Tofu Salad
Ingredients
- 2 lemon cucumbers, quartered and cut into thick slices
- 1 handful of fresh dill
- 1/4 cup Avocado Oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 big pinches of lemon sea salt
- 8 ounces organic extra firm tofu
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 of a large, ripe avocado
Instructions
- Toss the cucumbers, dill, avocado oil, lemon juice, and salt in a medium bowl. Let sit for 20 minutes so that the cucumbers absorb all of the goodness.
- In the meantime, cook the tofu and a pinch of salt in a skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes, or until the pieces are browned on one side. Toss gently once or twice, then continue cooking for another minute or so until the tofu is firm, golden, and bouncy. Set aside.
- Just before serving, cut the avocado into cubes.
- Spoon the cucumbers out of the lemon-avocado oil mixture into a large salad bowl. Add half of the remaining dressing, the tofu, and half of the pine nuts. Gently toss. Taste. Add more dressing or salt, if needed. Sprinkle the avocado across the top of the salad and gently toss once or twice. Top with remaining pine nuts, serve and enjoy!
- Cucumbers love sea salt! Experiment with different salts like Hawaiian black lava salt and lime sea salt.
References
