Superfood: Cucumber

The need of an emperor for cucumbers led to the first greenhouse system. The cucumber was part of the diet of the ancient Romans, and the Emperor Tiberius (42 BC–37 AD) demanded cucumbers every day.

The Roman historian Pliny tells us in his Natural History that ‘[The cucumber] was a wonderful favourite with the Emperor Tiberius, and indeed, he was never without it; for he had raised beds made in frames upon wheels, by means of which the cucumbers were moved and exposed to the full heat of the sun; while, in winter, they were withdrawn, and placed under the protection of frames glazed with mirrorstone’.

This passage describes one of the earliest greenhouse systems, known as the specularia . The Roman agricultural writer Columella explains the benefit of this, namely that by masking the cucumbers with see-through sheets ‘… even in the cold, on clear days, they can be taken out safe for the sun. By this method, cucumber was delivered to the Emperor Tiberius pretty well the year round.’ The see-through sheets were made of a crystal called selenite, which the Romans called lapis specularia .

It is undoubtedly the case that the Romans would have continued to use this method to cultivate their vegetable and fruit crops; however, it seems that the idea of a glass-protected frame was not generally adopted in Europe until the 16th century. Early structures built for the protection of plants were sheds without windows, heated by such methods as placing hot embers in the floor, rather like the Roman hypocaust system.

In 1717 a design for a ‘forcing-house’ included a roof of glass, and from that time onward there were leaps forward in design, with ideas for style, method of heating and angles of roof glass. However, the window tax of 1696 and a glass tax of 1746 kept any experimentation with glass confined to the orangeries and hothouses of the very rich. With industrialisation the costs of making glass dropped, and greenhouse development really took off, with additions such as steam heating and structures made of iron instead of wood.

Gardening writers of the late 18th century and early 19th understood the challenges of cultivating cucumbers in the chilly British climate, and noted that in order to grow cucumbers ‘the use of artificial heat with us is needful, to insure [sic ] a successful growth.’ The newly improved greenhouses were ideal for this popular crop.

Victorian conservatories became showcases for the aristocracy not only to display exotic fruits but to proclaim their wealth by access all year to such delicacies as the cucumber, enjoyed in their favourite sandwich. The wealthy aristocracy of Europe built more and more beautiful structures, one of the finest being the famous Palm House at Kew Gardens.

With a rising world population and demand for food, the need for intensive all-year-round farming has meant that greenhouses are today not just status symbols, but an essential part of food production. Britain’s largest hydroponic greenhouse opened at Thanet in 2008 and each year grows, from January to November, around 13 million cucumbers!

CELLULITE TREATMENT

Get rid of your ‘orange peel’ … with cucumber! The dreaded cellulite affects people of all shapes and sizes and you can spend a small fortune on expensive treatments and lotions. Why not save your money and go for the natural remedy instead?

Cucumbers are rich in phytochemicals. When applied to the skin, they create a tautening of collagen, which tightens, firms and reduces the appearance of cellulite. Even better – in combination with other ingredients like coffee and honey – you can make your own home super-charged treatment to effectively smooth away your irksome lumps and bumps.

Combine to make a paste-like mixture. Exfoliate the affected area with a dry brush, then apply the treatment and wrap in clingfilm to allow for maximum absorption. The natural warmth the film creates will help the nutrients soak in and do their work.

TOP TIP

The caffeine in the coffee granules dilates the blood vessels in the skin, which tightens the surface. The caffeine also release toxins and metabolises fat under the surface.

The image of sliced cucumber on the eyes is a classic, and with good reason. The ascorbic and caffeic acid in cucumbers reduces water retention, soothing puffiness and redness. Cucumbers also contain a very mild skin lightening property, which makes them a great treatment for dark under-eye circles.

Blend cucumber in a mixer until you have a smooth paste. If you need to thin the mixture slightly, you can add small amounts of water, but go very carefully. When you have your mixture ready, soak the cotton pads in the liquid.

Carefully remove the pads and, keeping them flat, press them in your palms to remove excess liquid. The aim here is to keep them nicely saturated, but not soaking / dripping wet. Place the pads, flat, into freezer bags, and seal and freeze as quickly as possible to retain freshness.

Any time you need a refreshing ten-minute treatment, simply remove two pads from the freezer, allow to warm up for a couple of minutes, place over your eyes and relax.

TOP TIP

You can’t help but relax while using this treatment, as you have to lie back and keep still to prevent the pads slipping off … the perfect excuse to take a break!

‘ SHAMPOOTHIE’
HAIR TREATMENT

Cucumber contains Vitamins C, A, silica, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and sodium, all of which promote healthy hair growth, repair and strengthening. Try this shampoo and conditioning treatment for hair and scalp.

Blitz half a peeled cucumber in a blender. Add the lemon juice and oil and mix well.

Massage the paste into damp hair. For a more intense treatment, wrap your hair in a towel or in clingfilm. Leave for 15–20 minutes and rinse off with cool water.

TOP TIP

You can apply and massage cucumber oil directly onto the scalp to aid hair loss, psoriasis and eczema.

IN NICHOLAS NICKLEBY BY CHARLES DICKENS, NICHOLAS’ MOTHER IS COURTED BY HER NEIGHBOUR WHO HAS BEEN THROWING CUCUMBERS OVER HER WALL TO ATTRACT HER!