Cool off with Cucumbers for Harvest of the Month

By Ruthie Chipps, MS, RDN, CD, LD, Hy-Vee Dietitian

It’s time for cool and crispy cucumbers! They’re a garden favorite and a great way to add fiber and fluids to your eating pattern. Learn more about this fantastic vegetable and be sure to sign up for the Hy-Vee Dietitian Hacks for Healthy Back-to-School Habits Challenge for a chance to win 1 of 4 $250 Hy-Vee gift cards. More details at the bottom of this post.

FUN FACTS FOR CUCUMBERS:

  • Contain up to 95% water.

  • Rich in important nutrients like vitamins K and C, and the mineral potassium.

  • Can help maintain bone health and blood pressure.

  • Burpless cucumbers have lower levels of cucurbitacin (a component that can cause gas production).

  • Perfect hot day snack: The cucumber is about 20 degrees cooler than the temperature of its surroundings.

Quick Pickled Cucumbers

All you need:

  • 2 Tbsp. Hy-Vee white vinegar

  • 1 tsp. Hy-Vee granulated sugar

  • ½ tsp. kosher salt

  • ½ tsp. Hy-Vee crushed red pepper 

  • 2 c. mini seedless cucumber, thinly sliced

  • ¼ c. red onion, thinly sliced

  • ¼ c. Short Cuts tricolor chopped peppers

  • 1 tsp. fresh dill, chopped, plus additional for garnish

All you do:

  1. Combine white vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper; stir to combine. Let stand for 5 minutes.

  2. Stir in cucumber slices, red onion slices, and tricolor chopped peppers. Sprinkle with fresh dill.

  3. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. If desired, garnish with fresh dill sprigs. 

Nutrition Facts: 6 servings. 10 calories per serving.

Recipe Source: Quick-Pickled Cucumbers | Hy-Vee

Ruthie Chipps, MS, RDN, CD, LD, Hosts "Harvest of the Month" on NBC-TV (WEAU-Eau Claire, WI)

***FREE Fruit & Vegetable Challenge in August. Join Hy-Vee Dietitian Hacks for Healthy Back-to-School Habits Challenge for a chance to win 4 $250 Hy-Vee gift cards! During this 1-week challenge, Hy-Vee dietitians will highlight the benefits of fresh produce and simple hacks for an easier and nutritious back-to-school. Throughout the challenge, you will receive reminders to track and self-reflect on your progress meeting your produce goals. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Visit Hy-Vee.com/Health to sign up today. Brought to you in partnership with the Foundation for Fresh Produce.

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Ruthie Chipps, MS, RDN, CD, LD is a Registered Dietitian with Hy-Vee, Inc. She hosts “Harvest of the Month” on WEAU-TV (NBC) and is a contributor to JacksonInAction blog.

To learn more about Ruth and the Dietitian Services offered at Hy-Vee La Crosse and Winona click here: Hy-Vee Dietitians Bios