Cucumber is the most economically significant and, therefore, the most prevalent plant species in the gourd family (Latin: Cucurbitaceae) in vegetable cultivation.
Opinions on the origin of the cucumber are divided. According to some authors, the species (Latin: C. sativus) originates from tropical Africa, while according to de Candolle, it developed from (Latin: Cucumis hardwickii), a small, bitter fruit found on the slopes of the Himalayas, influenced by human activity. From Egypt, it spread to Mediterranean countries, and in the Middle Ages, to Central Europe, and from there, to the rest of the world. Cucumber was the first vegetable to be grown in greenhouses in the late 19th century in Great Britain. It is widely used in food, as well as for medicinal purposes and in cosmetics. Among minerals, cucumber contains the most potassium (67 – 200 mg/100 g), phosphorus (17 – 30 mg/100 g), calcium (10 – 25 mg/100 g), sodium (5 – 13 mg/100 g), iron (up to 1 mg/100 g), and also contains zinc, manganese, copper, and selenium. Although it doesn’t have a high vitamin content, it is not insignificant; cucumbers contain the most vitamin C (2 – 14 mg/100 g fresh substance), and also include B-complex vitamins and β-carotene. Cucumber has an extremely low nutritional value (12 kcal or 52 kJ per 100 g of fresh cucumbers). Cucurbitacin, a compound found in cucumbers, can cause digestive issues and even cramps in some people.
Nutritional Value of Cucumber
Cucumbers are mostly composed of water. They contain significant amounts of dietary fiber; minerals such as silicon, potassium, magnesium, as well as vitamin C and caffeic acid. They have a very low energy value.
Due to its high water content, cucumber has a low energy value (14 kcal per 100 grams). Cucumber is an excellent diuretic due to its high water content.
Nutritional Value of Fresh Cucumber
| Nutrient | Amount (%) |
|---|---|
| Raw protein | 0.59 |
| Raw fat | 0.16 |
| Carbohydrates | 2.16 |
| of which sugars | 1.39 |
| Fiber | 0.73 |
| Water | 96.73 |
Table 1: Nutritional Value of Fresh Cucumber
Mineral Composition of Cucumber
| Mineral | Amount (mg/100 g fresh fruit) |
|---|---|
| Calcium | 14.00 |
| Potassium | 136 |
| Magnesium | 12.78 |
| Zinc | 0.17 |
| Phosphorus | 21.7 |
| Iron | 0.22 |
| Copper | 0.07 |
Table 2: Mineral Composition of Cucumber
Vitamin Content in Cucumber Fruit
| Vitamin | Amount (mg/100 g fresh fruit) |
|---|---|
| E | 0.03 |
| C | 3.20 |
| B1 | 0.03 |
| B2 | 0.03 |
| B3 | 0.04 |
| B5 | 0.24 |
| B6 | 0.05 |
Table 3: Vitamin Content in Cucumber Fruit
