Coloring Book Cucumbers

Cucumbers (Scientific: Cucumis sativus) is a popular vegetable from the cucurbit family. They are widely grown around the world for their flavor and variety of uses.

Information

1. Origins: Cucumbers are believed to be native to southern Asia, but have been cultivated for thousands of years in various cultures around the world.
2. Application: They can be eaten raw, added to salads or snacks, or canned in the form of pickles. Preserved cucumbers, also known as pickles, are prepared with various additives and spices, depending on the region.
3. Nutritional values: Cucumbers are low in calories and contain a lot of water, making them an ideal ingredient for a weight-loss diet. They also provide minerals, such as potassium, and vitamins, including vitamin K.
4. Health properties: Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They are also a good source of electrolytes, which can help hydrate the body, especially on hot days.
5. Varieties: There are many varieties of cucumbers, which differ in taste, shape and purpose (e.g. for eating raw or canning).
6. Cultivation: Cucumbers are thermophilic plants and grow best in full sun. They prefer humus, well-drained soil. Frequent watering is essential, especially during periods of drought.
7. Trivia: Cucumber juice is often used in homemade facial masks and tonics for its moisturizing and soothing properties.

Trivia

1. Oldest crop: Cucumbers have been cultivated for more than 3,000 years. They originally came from India, from where they spread to other parts of the world through traders and travelers.
2. Cleopatra vs. cucumbers: Cleopatra is said to have considered cucumbers a source of youth. She regularly used cucumber masks to preserve her youthful appearance.
3. High water levels: Cucumbers consist of about 95% of water, making them one of the most hydrating vegetables. This makes them an excellent remedy against dehydration on hot days.
4. Cucumbers in space: In 1960, cucumbers were one of the first vegetables grown in space by Russian astronauts.
5. Cucumber varieties: There are many varieties of cucumbers, from small canned cucumbers to large salad cucumbers. Depending on the variety, they can vary in flavor, texture and use.
6. Cucumber as a vegetable and fruit: Botanically speaking, the cucumber is a fruit because it develops from a flower and contains seeds. However, in culinary terms it is treated as a vegetable because of its taste and use.
7. "Cool as a cucumber": The English saying "cool as a cucumber" refers to the cool properties of cucumbers, which maintain a lower internal temperature than the environment.
8. Cucumbers in literature: Pickles appear in many classic works of literature. In Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland," there is a character named Bill the Lizard who was used to pull cucumbers out of the chimney.
9. Cucumber bread: In some cultures, cucumbers are used to make special types of breads that have a distinctive taste and texture.
10. Cucumber spa: Due to the soothing properties of cucumbers, many spas offer treatments based on this vegetable, including cucumber masks or massages with cucumber oil.