There are two types of people when it comes to cucumbers; the ones who love them, and the ones who hate them. It’s not often that you hear a person say, “I guess they’re okay, I really don’t mind them.”
First the Cucumber Haters! Some people don’t just dislike cucumber; they have a loathing which is close to phobic. Even looking at a picture will make them squirm. They will tell you they can detect a vile odour at 10 paces. If they fail to notice just a sliver in a ham & salad sandwich, the instant reaction is to gag uncontrollably as soon as the taste buds make the detection. It’s no use removing the offending slices from a mixed salad, it’s too late. Contamination has already taken place and the salad becomes inedible. In Thailand these people may need to learn at least one Thai language phrase as it’s a frequent ingredient in the local cuisine.
With every food order just say “mai ow tang kwa” – “I don’t want cucumber”! Until recently some believed there were psychological origins, at least one sufferer contemplated whether he was the victim of an assault by one as a small boy. Now we know there is a genetic basis. Cucumbers contain related organic compounds that are thought to cause the smell and taste some people find repugnant and others don’t notice at all. A gene called TAS2R38 is responsible.
It’s true; that cucumber hate is actually encoded in their genes! This is now become a source of celebration; “I think we should take pride in our superior tasting powers that lesser mortals do not possess. Go ahead, celebrate your genetic superiority.” If you knew all of the things you could do with cucumbers, even if you hate the taste, you may find yourself putting them in your basket at the grocery store. They are cheap, readily available, and totally green.
You can even grow your own supply! Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day. Cucumbers contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc. Cucumbers are cooler than you think. It’s not only about cucumber being a healthy food and the benefits of consuming it – but also about the many, everyday uses for wellness, personal hygiene and a lasting beauty secret.
But OK; maybe for you eating cucumbers is genetically impossible. Instead here are some non-dietary reasons for adding them to the shopping list.
Defogger: Do you get annoyed when you get out of the shower and you have to fight the fog on the mirror? Try rubbing a slice of cucumber on the mirror before you hop in and you will have a fog-free mirror.
WD-40 replacement: Did you know you can get rid of a squeak by rubbing a cucumber on the hinge? Wow, now you don’t have to tear your garage apart looking for that little can with the red straw.
Tarnish remover: If you’re finding tarnish on your stainless steel kitchen faucets and appliances, rub it off with a cucumber slice. Not only will it remove years of tarnish, it will leave it streak free and your hands will thank you, and your kids won’t be put at risk from a dangerous chemical.
Pest control: Put three or four slices of cucumber
in a small container and place them in your garden. The chemicals in the cucumber have a reaction that pests hate and drive them from your garden all year long.
Sunburn: Sometimes sun block doesn’t always protect from sunburn. If you don’t have any aloe, rub some cucumber on the affected areas. Many doctors even use cucumber to treat patients with irritated skin and sunburns.
