Why mini cucumbers make the perfect snack (2024)

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Cucumbers may not compare to, say, leafy greens in the nutrient department. But—repeat after us—all veggies are good veggies.

At 10 calories a pop, the minis are a handy answer to that age-old question: “What’s a portable, healthy snack?” Bonus: like most mini veggies, their flavor is a tad more intense than their larger brethren’s.

It’s said that these compact cukes (sometimes called Persian cucumbers) got their start in the late 1930s, when breeders crossed Middle-Eastern cucumbers with Indian, Japanese, Chinese, American, English, and Dutch varieties to make them more resilient to disease.

Another fun fact: cucumbers are about 95 percent water. No wonder they’re so refreshing.

So if you want to feel, shall we say, cool as a cucumber, pack a handful of crisp mini cukes in your lunch box. No need to peel off their thin skin.

What to do with mini cukes

Of course, mini cucumbers have their place in the kitchen as well. Try a green salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and avocado tossed with a sesame vinaigrette. Or cut them into a chicken, shrimp, or tuna salad (instant crunch). Or slice them into sticks and eat with hummus or yogurt dip. They’re also a gotta-have ingredient in gazpacho.

Cucumbers are great year round, but their peak season is just getting started. Enjoy!

Photo: Jolene Mafnas/CSPI.

Why mini cucumbers make the perfect snack (2024)

FAQs

Why mini cucumbers make the perfect snack? ›

At 10 calories a pop, the minis are a handy answer to that age-old question: “What's a portable, healthy snack?” Bonus: like most mini veggies, their flavor is a tad more intense than their larger brethren's.

Are cucumbers a good snack? ›

It's high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions. Cucumbers are also low in calories and contain a good amount of water and soluble fiber, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss.

What are the benefits of eating cucumbers? ›

Antioxidants such as beta carotene in cucumbers can help fight free radicals in your body, unpaired electrons that damage cells and can lead to disease. Cucumbers may also have health benefits outside your body. Putting them on your skin may help ease sunburn pain, swelling, and damaged skin.

What is the nutritional information on mini cucumbers? ›

Amount per serving: Calories 12, Total Fat 0g (0% DV), Sat. Fat 0g (0% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg (0 DV%), Sodium 1mg (0% DV), Total Carbohydrate 2g (1% DV), Dietary Fiber 0g (0% DV), Sugars 1g (includes 0g Added Sugars 0% DV), Protein 0g, Vitamin D (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (0% DV), Potassium (0% DV).

Are mini cucumbers easy to digest? ›

Cucumbers also have anti-inflammatory properties, are gentle on the stomach, and very easy to digest. They're a great source of nutrients, too!

What to eat with cucumber as a snack? ›

5 Healthy Cucumber Snacks
  1. The Cucumber Sandwich. Ingredients: Cucumber slices, prosciutto, cheese. ...
  2. Cucumbers On-the-Go. Ingredients: cucumbers, hummus. ...
  3. The Green Roll. Ingredients: Cucumber, mashed avocado with cilantro, capers. ...
  4. The Tuna Cracker. ...
  5. Sun-dried Tomatoes & Cucumbers.

Are cucumbers a good snack before bed? ›

Cucumbers contain a compound called "flavonoids," which have been linked to reducing stress and promoting relaxation. They are rich in vitamins B6 and magnesium, both of which can help enhance sleep by calming the nervous system.

What are the secret benefits of cucumbers? ›

Cucumbers are known to reduce blood sugar levels, thus being helpful in the management and prevention of diabetes mellitus. Cucumbers pack a punch when it comes to bone health. Inside those crunchy slices lies vitamin K, a secret weapon.

What happens to your body when you eat cucumbers? ›

They are low in calories but contain many important vitamins and minerals, as well as a high water content. Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels.

Do cucumbers help your stomach? ›

The water in cucumbers naturally aids digestion — it helps your body break down food and absorb nutrients. The fiber in cucumbers also keeps things running smoothly by regulating bowel movements so you can avoid constipation. Pickling cucumbers can boost the benefits to your gut even further.

What are the tiny cucumbers called? ›

Gherkins. Gherkins are very small—sometimes not even two inches long. If you're looking for a cucumber to pickle, this is a great choice because they'll easily fit in a jar. They are popular in France, where pickled gherkins—known as cornichons—are a classic accompaniment to pâté.

Are mini cucumbers good for diabetics? ›

Finally, cucumbers are low in carbohydrates, so they can be a good option for people with elevated blood sugar levels. Early trials suggest that cucumber is one of the most effective plants for not only reducing blood sugar levels but also lowering the risk of hypoglycemia during a blood sugar drop.

Are cucumbers a superfood? ›

Cucumber: A Low-Calorie Superfood

Moreover, cucumbers boast a substantial fibre content, which helps in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating and preventing post-meal sugar spikes. This makes them an ideal snack for those striving to shed excess pounds.

Can you eat too many mini cucumbers? ›

Excessive intake of cucumbers may trigger Hyperkalemia, which is a rare medical condition caused due to the presence of high potassium content in the body. Excessive intake of potassium rich cucumber may lead to flatulence, abdominal cramps and in some cases it can affect the renal system and kidneys.

Does cucumber reduce wrinkles? ›

Cucumber has antioxidant components that help reduce wrinkles. It also contains Folic Acid and Vitamin C. While Folic Acid helps the skin fight environmental toxins, Vitamin C facilitates newer cell growth. These components help your skin to appear healthier, youthful, and firmer.

Which cucumbers are best for snacking? ›

English cucumbers, also known as seedless, greenhouse, burpless, or European cucumbers, are long and slender with sweet, firm flesh encased in a smooth, thin, dark green skin. With great crunch and small, almost unnoticeable seeds, these are one of the most versatile cucumbers in the kitchen.

Is it okay to eat cucumber everyday? ›

The answer is Yes! Cucumber benefits are multiple including them being water-rich and having very few calories. What's more, cucumber nutrition is high, plus, it contains many important vitamins and minerals.

What is the best time to eat cucumber? ›

Cucumber can be consumed at any time of the day or night as it helps to balance all the three doshas and helps to maintain the water content of the body. If you have weak or poor digestion then you must avoid taking at night because Cucumber seeds are heavy to digest.

Can cucumbers burn belly fat? ›

A: Cucumbers alone cannot directly burn belly fat. To reduce belly fat, you must focus on making healthy dietary choices, exercising regularly, and making lifestyle changes. So while cucumbers can help with weight loss, they will not specifically target belly fat.

Why do I feel better after eating cucumbers? ›

The multiple B vitamins contained in cucumbers, which include vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B7 are known to help ease anxiety and some of the effects of stress. Aids in healthy digestion. Chewing cucumber gives the jaws a good workout, and the fiber in it is great for digestion.

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