Cucumbers are one of the most popular produce items grown and sold around the world.
You’re probably well acquainted with their crisp crunch and mild, fresh flavor.
However, you may wonder to which food group cucumbers belong.
Cucumbers are a type of edible plant that belongs to the gourd family. It’s widely cultivated and makes a nutritious addition to any diet.
Cucumber is usually considered a vegetable because of how it’s used in the culinary world. However, as it grows from flowers and contains seeds, it’s botanically a fruit. Regardless of its fruit or vegetable status, there are countless ways to enjoy cucumber in your cooking or beauty routine.
We make a lot of smoothies in my house and I love them, but sometimes I actually crave juices. Sounds crazy, I know, especially if you haven’t tasted green juice. I have to say though, if you do, I think you’ll be surprised by how fruity and refreshing green juices can be. There are so many opinions on juicing and debate over how nutritious they really are, but I look at them as a great way to get veggies and fruits into your day. I don’t feel that juices should supplement eating whole fruit or vegetables, but they make a great addition. I sometimes start the day off with a green juice for breakfast. It leaves me feeling light, refreshed and restored.
This particular combination is really delicious. The pear adds just enough sweetness without being overpowering. Kale is one of the most nutritious greens, adding lots of Vitamins A, B6 and K and even minerals like calcium and iron and potassium. Then there’s the cucumber. Cucumber is a wonderful addition to juices. It’s made up of ninety-six percent water, so it really adds to the volume of your juice, but it also contains electrolytes and minerals that are so good for you. Finally, I love adding lemon to my juices. Not only does it give a bit of a boost of Vitamin C, but its citrusy tang also perks up the flavors of the greens and balances out the sweetness.
This refreshing smoothie is a delicious way to get a serving of vitamin-packed dark, leafy greens. And it’s as easy to prepare as it is healthful. Serve it at your next brunch or luncheon; the cucumber, ginger, lime juice and green apple make it especially refreshing on a hot summer day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup kale, stemmed
- ½ cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- ½ inch ginger, peeled
- 2 green apples, cored
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 ½ cups ice
- 1 ½ cups water
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into a smoothie-like consistency.
- Enjoy!
