Cucumbers are one of the 'coolest' vegetables on the market scene.

No wonder there's even a phrase, "as cool as a cucumber", leaving no doubt about the vegetable's high water content which gives it a coolingtaste and feel.

Cucumber is among one of the favoured vegetables locally, and is available all year round. The vegetable, though quite popular in Jamaica, is said to have originated over 10,000 years ago in southern Asia. Early explorers and travellers introduced this vegetable to India and other parts of Asia. It was very popular in the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece and Rome, whose people used it not only as a food, but also for its beneficial skin-healing properties.

Though the veggie is primarily composed of water, it also contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid, which both help smooth skin irritation and reduce swelling. However, some people don't like the skin and will peel it off before eating it. The truth is, the skin is rich in fibre and has a variety of minerals including silica, potassium and magnesium. Also, the silica in cucumber is an essential component of healthy connective tissue, which includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone. Plus, the juice is recommended to improve skin complexion; as such it is found in a variety of skincare products. And it is perfect for swelling under the eyes, sunburn and dermatitis.

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