Half Cucumber

Cucumber is essentially a fruit from the same family as melon and pumpkin. It is the fourth most widely cultivated “vegetable” in the world, with its mild, refreshing flavour that mixes so well with other garden offerings. Cucumbers are actually 90% water, but still manage to provide many valuable health benefits. Being juicy and mild in flavour surprisingly many children will eat it.  When used in other dishes the flavour though mild is very pervasive and distinct. It’s amazing how a few strips of cucumber peel mingle their gently pleasing scent past the oranges, strawberries and even the mint to create that delicious top note in a glass of well-made Pimm’s. A main ingredient in the Greek Salad from our Deli Section. The Cuke’s cooling appeal is slso very good alongside barbecued meat or fish.  As in Sweet Pickled Cucumber –

1 medium-large cucumber (350-400g) 1 tsp cider vinegar 1 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil 2 tbsp finely chopped mint Pinch of sugar Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Peel the cucumber (or leave the skin on, if you prefer), halve it lengthways and scoop out the seeds. Slice into thick half-moons. Put in a dish with the vinegar, oil, mint and a pinch each of sugar, salt and pepper. Toss together thoroughly, then set aside in a cool place (but not the fridge) for 15-30 minutes. Toss again before serving.