Cucumbers are the perfect veggie to eat in this August heat -they're so refreshing! Cucumbers are indeed cooling in nature - they're 95% water and contain important vitamins & minerals that can get depleted in our bodies when it's hot. Like many vegetables, most of a cucumber's nutrition is in it's skin (and these cukes aren't coated in questionable wax like conventional grocery store ones) so don't peel them!
They're also cooling for your skin - a slice can sooth minor burns, sunburns, or dry irritated eyes.
Cukes are easy to use, simply alone (perhaps with salt or a dash of fresh lemon juice) or with dip, added to green salads, on sandwiches, or made into some variation of the ubiquitous creamy cucumber salad. Cucumbers pair well with dill or mint, like in this simple Indian raita (yogurt salad/dip). Raitas are cooling mixes of yogurt and vegetables or fruits traditionally served alongside spicy Indian dishes. This raita can also be eaten by itself, or as a cool dip for pita bread.
Cucumber Raita
2 cucumbers, thinly sliced or diced
1 c. plain yogurt
2 whole scallions, sliced or minced
1 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped
1/4 tsp. ground cumin (optional)
salt & pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients & serve at room temperature or chilled. Will keep covered in refrigerator for several days.