Whether in a salad, as a smoothie or as a small snack in between – cucumbers are THE summer vegetable for us and are a great refreshment, especially in the heat. The crunchy vegetables are full of nutrients and antioxidants that are good for our health and can even help you lose weight. We don't have to explain to you that cucumbers are healthy. But we have one question: Do you peel the cucumbers before eating them? And if so, what do you do with the cucumber peels? Most likely they will go straight into the trash, right? But that's over now! In the spirit of sustainability, we tell you in our article why you shouldn't throw away the cucumber peels and what else you can use them for. Whether against pests in the garden, to remove stains or for a healthy tzatziki - read on and find out here how you can use vegetable scraps!
Are cucumber peels healthy?
Cucumbers are rich in important nutrients and antioxidants and contain plenty of liquid. The summer vegetables are a real slimming agent and therefore ideal for a small andhealthy snack for losing weightsuitable. However, most of us are often confused about whether we should peel the cucumbers or not. There is no one correct answer to the question and how you consume the vegetables is purely a matter of taste. However, it is in the peel that most of the minerals and vitamins that are important for our body are found. There is also more fiber there than in the rest of the cucumber, which, among other things, stimulates digestion. So if you want to eat a healthy and balanced diet, it makes more sense not to peel the cucumbers. To avoid pesticides and remove possible bacteria, it's best to buy organic cucumbers and rinse them thoroughly before eating.
Why not throw away cucumber slices?
You already know that most of the nutrients and vitamins in cucumbers are in the peel. But there are also other reasons why you shouldn't throw away the cucumber peels. These are actually real miracle products in the household and can be reused in an incredibly versatile way. Whether as a home remedy for ants, a smoothie or a soothing face mask - this is how cucumber peels can be used.
Cucumber peels against ants
Ants are undoubtedly very useful animals in nature. But they definitely have no place in our homes. Fortunately, you don't have to immediately resort to store-bought chemicals to combat this. There actually ismany effective home remediesthat you can use for this. Cucumber slices in particular can work wonders against ants. This is because ants cannot stand the taste and smell of cucumbers. The alkaloids contained in the shell also act as a natural repellent against ants. Simply place a few cucumber peels where the small insects like to hang out.
Use the cucumber peels as fertilizer
In order to thrive and produce a delicious harvest, plants need regular nutrition. Would you rather avoid chemical fertilizers? Then next time you should not throw away the cucumber peels and instead reuse them as natural fertilizer. Since they contain approximately 30% potassium and 10% phosphorus, they are ideal for promoting the growth of your plants. To use cucumber peels as fertilizer, take a handful and let them dry in the sun for 1-2 days. Then burn the peels, collect the ash and use it to fertilize the plants.
Do not throw away cucumber peels and use them as a stain remover
And here's another surprising but extremely practical reason why you shouldn't throw away cucumber peels. Your child has painted on the wall again and you don't know how to remove his artwork? You can actually use cucumber slices as a stain remover! To avoid unpleasant surprises, you should first test the trick on an inconspicuous area. If you are happy with the result, simply rub the cucumber peels over the affected area and the stains will be gone. This method works best with pens and markers.
Against dark circles and sunburn
It is no longer a secret that cucumbers ensure shiny and radiant skin. You are tired and tense and want tothe annoying dark circles under the eyesfinally get rid of it? Then lie down and place a few cucumber peels under your eyes for about 10 minutes. Try to relax and unwind during this time. After just 2-3 applications, you will not only look fresher, but also feel significantly better. Due to their high water content and their cooling effect, cucumber peels can also relieve mild sunburn on the face. To do this, either place the peels on the affected areas for 10-15 minutes or lightly mash them and use them as a face mask.
Don't throw away cucumber peels: ideas for delicious and healthy recipes
The cucumber peels are real all-rounders and can be used in many different ways in the household. You can also use it to prepare lots of light and healthy delicacies. How about a cucumber peel chutney, for example? Or maybe tzatziki aslow-calorie spread? Here are a few delicious ideas for how you could use cucumber peels in the kitchen.
Recipe for chutney with cucumber peels
Whether for dipping, as a spread or as a sauce for fish and meat – chutney recipes always provide a great variety on the table. Super refreshing, light and healthy – our chutney with cucumber peels simply tastes like summer.
Ingredients for 4-5 servings:
- The peels of 3-4 cucumbers
- 1 small red onion, chopped finely
- 1 green pepper, chopped finely
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 TL Tabasco Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon each paprika powder and ground cumin
- 1/2 bunch of fresh coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Chop the cucumber peels into small pieces and mix them with the onions and peppers in a bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients and whisk well.
- Chill for 1 hour and enjoy!
Tzatziki Recipe
Beautifully creamy, full of flavor and irresistibly delicious – tzatziki is a popular dip from Greece and is primarily enjoyed with gyros and meat. And here comes our recipe for tzatziki with cucumber peels.
Ingredients:
- The peels of 3-4 cucumbers
- 200 grams of Greek yogurt
- 450 grams of quark
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Mix the yogurt and curd in a bowl until smooth.
- Chop cucumber peels finely.
- Either press the garlic cloves or chop them very finely.
- Stir cucumber peels and garlic into the yogurt mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with a little olive oil.
- Put it in the fridge for 20 minutes and your tzatziki like from Greece is ready!
Don't throw away cucumber peels: vegetable chips from the oven
Do you love snacking in the evening in front of the TV, but also pay attention to your diet? How about using up the cucumber peels and treating yourself to crispy oven-baked vegetable chips? Low in calories, quick to make and really tasty – the perfect low carb snack for losing weight!
Ingredients:
- The peels of 2-3 cucumbers
- 1/2 teaspoon each of turmeric and paprika powder
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Drain the cucumber peels well and pat dry with a cloth.
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Mix the cucumber peels with the spices and olive oil in a bowl and roast for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve with a dip of your choice and enjoy!
