To me, summer is all about simplicity. Simple, cool clothes. Effortless entertaining. And most important, fuss-free, refreshing meals. One of my favorite summer produce staples is the easy going cucumber. You never find this fruit {yes, it is technically a fruit!} in a complicated dish. Cucumbers are light, refreshing and have a delicate flavor, perfect for pairing with bolder ingredients {think spring rolls filled with cucumbers and veggies with a tangy peanut sauce or a cucumber noodle salad with apple cider vinegar and fresh dill- yum!}.
Cucumbers contain many antioxidants, including vitamin C, manganese and beta-carotene. Antioxidants scour the body for free radicals which can cause oxidative stress to our internal environment leading to disease. Being that I live in sunny Southern California where the air contains more particles from tire breakdown than anything else, I need all the antioxidants I can get!
Cucumbers also contain cucurbitacins {try say that five times fast!}, part of the phytonutrient family know as triterpenes. These cucurbitacins are being researched for their ability to block the development and survival of cancer cells. The cucumber also packs an anti-inflammatory punch by inhibiting the activity of some pro-inflammatory enzymes.
Sounds pretty good time me. I’m in.
So, here is a beautiful, simple and delicious recipe for you! Salud!
[yumprint-recipe id='1']
