The Vegetable:
Cucumbers are in fact botanically fruits- a berry, if we’re being really precise; they grow from a flower on the vine and contain their seeds. In a culinary context they’re most often used in savoury dishes, so it’s little wonder they’re usually thought of as a vegetable. Call them what you like; cucumbers are such great summer produce, being so naturally refreshing and high in water content.
The Dish:
It was a hot and sweaty few days, and I was reminded of how much a cold glass can perk up wilted, sun weary adventurers. Hello smoothies! If you’ve ever been on the green juice train then seeing cucumbers in your sweet drink wouldn’t surprise ya, but blending up the whole fruit is all the better, retaining the essential minerals and fiber to keep you full for longer and your blood sugar in balance. Plus, no waste! Toss cucumber, celery, apple, and frozen banana into a high powered blender and hit it with a chunk of fresh ginger and a handful of mint- perk you right up on muggy summer afternoons. The frozen banana is akin to ice cream, the ginger and mint keep it zingy, and the apple, celery and cucumber are fresh and juicy. Chin up, buttercup.
The Ingredients:
1/2-1 Cucumber (depending upon size)- chopped
2 stalks Celery, chopped
1 Apple, chopped
1 frozen Banana, chopped
1/2 thumb sized chunk Ginger
Few leaves Mint
Optional: couple handfuls of rocket or mesclun, if you’d like to up the green content
1/2 cup Water to help it along
The How To:
Really simple (isn’t that the best?). Load up your blender, crank it; give it a little stir if necessary to help it along; blend that baby up ‘til creamy and frothy. Pour into your favourite glass and sip away your sorrows. Salud!
Tidbits:
If you happen to find yourself with leftovers, pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. Pop into water for flavored ice cubes, or treat as a popsicle.
You could also turn this into a smoothie bowl, and top with your desired elements of texture like granola, nuts, seeds etc. Food is best digested when chewed, and yep, that includes smoothies. Spoon it up!
Recipe created by Elena Keir of Naked Cakes and Wholefoods