Japanese Cucumber (Malaysia) 日本黄瓜

Shelf Life: 4 Days

Japanese cucumbers, also known as kyuri or hothouse cucumbers, are crisp, thin-skinned cucumbers commonly used in Japanese cuisine. They are similar to English cucumbers but are often shorter and have a slightly sweeter flavor. Here's how you can eat Japanese cucumbers and some of their benefits:

How to Eat Japanese Cucumber:

1. Raw:

   • Sliced: Slice Japanese cucumbers thinly and enjoy them raw as a refreshing snack or add them to salads.
   • Cucumber Cups: Cut Japanese cucumbers into thick slices and hollow out the center to create cucumber cups. Fill the cups with hummus, tzatziki, or your favorite dip for a fun appetizer or snack.

2. In Salads:

   • Sunomono: Make a traditional Japanese sunomono salad by slicing Japanese cucumbers thinly and marinating them in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
   • Green Salad: Add sliced Japanese cucumbers to green salads along with other vegetables, leafy greens, and a light vinaigrette dressing.

3. Pickled:

   • Tsukemono: Japanese cucumbers can be pickled in rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices to make tsukemono, a popular Japanese side dish served with rice and other main dishes.

4. In Sushi Rolls:

   • Maki Rolls: Japanese cucumbers are commonly used as a filling in sushi rolls, such as kappa maki, which consists of rice, cucumber, and nori seaweed.

5. In Cold Soups:

   • Chilled Cucumber Soup: Blend Japanese cucumbers with yogurt, garlic, herbs, and lemon juice to make a refreshing chilled cucumber soup, perfect for hot summer days.

6. Garnish:

   • Sushi and Sashimi: Thinly slice Japanese cucumbers and use them as a garnish for sushi and sashimi platters.

Benefits of Japanese Cucumber:

1. Hydration:

   • Japanese cucumbers have a high water content, which helps keep you hydrated and contributes to overall hydration levels.

2. Low in Calories:

   • With their low calorie content and high water volume, Japanese cucumbers are a great option for those looking to manage their weight or increase their vegetable intake without adding many calories to their diet.

3. Source of Vitamins and Minerals:

   • Japanese cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.
   • They also provide small amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and other nutrients essential for overall health and well-being.

4. Digestive Health:

   • The water and fiber content in Japanese cucumbers can aid in digestion and help prevent constipation.

5. Skin Health:

   • Japanese cucumbers contain silica, a mineral that is important for healthy skin, hair, and nails.

6. Antioxidant Properties:

   • Japanese cucumbers contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

7. Versatility:

   • Japanese cucumbers are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sushi rolls to pickles, adding a crisp texture and refreshing flavor to meals.

Including Japanese cucumbers in your diet can contribute to a balanced and nutritious eating plan, especially when combined with a variety of other vegetables and fruits. They are n