Large – Also known as Kheera, Khira. Cucumbers are the fruits of a creeping vine plant. They are harvested and eaten in the unripe stage, when the skin is green. Cucumbers are composed of 96% water. To be “cool as a cucumber” add them to your menus during the warm summer months when they are in season. Use half-inch thick cucumber slices as petite serving “dishes” for chopped vegetable salads. Mix diced cucumbers with sugar snap peas and mint leaves and toss with rice wine vinaigrette. The flesh of cucumbers is primarily composed of water but also contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid, both of which help soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling. Cucumbers’ hard skin is rich in fiber and contains a variety of beneficial minerals including silica, potassium and magnesium
