Peak cucumber season is mid-summer to early fall, but dark green slicing and hothouse cucumbers are available year-round.
In the Kitchen: Cucumbers are known for their refreshing crunch and cool, mild flavor that makes them versatile and great for pairing with many flavors and textures. For example, cucumbers balance spicy flavors and also provide textural contrast when paired with creamy foods such as avocado or hummus. While they’re most commonly eaten raw or pickled, cucumbers can be cooked. Sauté them as a side dish or toss into a stir-fry.
Cucumbers make a delicious side or snack. Eat them sliced on their own or with a healthful dip, or add them to salads and sandwiches for crunchy texture. Incorporate diced cucumber into salsa and grated cucumber in noodle dishes. Spiralize a cucumber for a pasta replacement. Fresh cucumber also makes a great addition to green juices and refreshing smoothies. Pickled cucumbers add a satisfying sour element to dishes, sauces and even drinks.
In the Clinic: Cucumbers offer a variety of nutrients. One cup of cucumber slices has about 15 calories and is a good source of vitamin K. Made up of about 95 percent water, cucumbers support hydration and provide satiety.
The fermentation process when pickling cucumbers creates beneficial probiotic bacteria. However, pickled cucumbers tend to be high in sodium, so eat them in moderation.
In Quantity: Whole, uncut cucumbers can be stored up to 10 days in the refrigerator. Cucumbers are sensitive to cold temperatures, which can cause pitting and decay or make them watery, so store cucumbers near the front of the refrigerator. Cucumbers that have been sliced should be wrapped and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Signs of spoilage include soft spots, sliminess and mold.
What you’ll need to make Rotisserie Chicken Summer Rolls:
Rotisserie Chicken
Rice Paper
Cucumber
Carrots
Green Onions
Fresh Basil
Butter leaf lettuce
Add variety to your summer rolls by adding in avocado, microgreens, mint, Thai basil, ginger, shrimp, pork, etc.
How to make Summer Rolls:
Dip a sheet of rice paper (6-inch rounds) into a your bowl of lukewarm or cool water for 10-15 seconds then lay flat on a damp towel on top of a cutting board or firm surface.
Working on bottom third of rice paper, spread the butter lettuce on first followed by the pieced chicken and carrots. Fold up the bottom edge to cover so the edge of the rice paper hits the middle piece of the rice paper. Then, layer on the basil, green onion, cucumber, and more of the chicken mixture. Fold in the sides and gently, but tightly fold up until the roll is closed and snug.
Place the finished roll on a plate that is lined with a damp paper towel.
Continue with remaining ingredients, being sure not to place the finished summer rolls next to each other because they will stick.
To serve, cut each roll in half crosswise and serve with a peanut sauce or dressing of your choice.
Severe hypoglycemia is uncommon but incredibly important.
An acute episode of hypoglycemia can be a medical emergency, but there is much more controversy about the long-term consequences of episodes of severe hypoglycemia.
According to recent studies, participants with a severe hypoglycemic event had more substantial rates of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral artery disease and all-cause mortality.
Blood sugar balance is not just about "diabetes" and weight control, it can affect many aspects of over all health.
