Krai Cucumber, 1 Kg

Krai Cucumber Overview

Krai cucumber, also known as Indian cucumber or "kharbuja," is a unique variety of cucumber popular in various cuisines, particularly in India. It is characterized by its dark green skin, crunchy texture, and mild, refreshing taste. Krai cucumbers are often used in salads, pickles, and various dishes, adding a crisp texture and nutritional benefits.

Health Benefits

1. Hydration: Krai cucumbers have a high water content (over 95%), helping to keep you hydrated.
2. Low in Calories: They are low in calories, making them an excellent snack for weight management.
3. Rich in Nutrients: Krai cucumbers contain vitamins A, C, K, and various B vitamins, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.
4. Digestive Health: High fiber content aids digestion and prevents constipation.
5. Antioxidant Properties: They contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress in the body.

How to Eat Krai Cucumber

Krai cucumbers can be enjoyed in several ways:

1. Raw: Slice and enjoy fresh in salads or as a crunchy snack.
2. Pickled: Pickle with spices for a tangy side dish.
3. Juiced: Blend with other fruits and vegetables for a refreshing drink.
4. Cooked: Use in stir-fries, curries, or soups.
5. In Salads: Combine with other vegetables and dressings for a nutritious salad.

Nutritional Value (per 100g of Krai Cucumber)

• Calories: 16
• Carbohydrates: 3.63 g
• Protein: 0.65 g
• Fat: 0.11 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Vitamin C: 2.8 mg
• Potassium: 262 mg
• Magnesium: 13 mg

Taste Profile

Krai cucumbers have a mild, refreshing taste with a slightly sweet undertone. Their crunchy texture makes them delightful to eat raw, while they can also absorb flavors well when cooked or pickled.

Recipes

Indian Recipes

1. Krai Cucumber Salad

   Ingredients:

   • Krai Cucumbers: 2 large, diced
   • Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
   • Tomato: 1, diced
   • Green Chili: 1, finely chopped
   • Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
   • Salt: to taste
   • Fresh Coriander: for garnish

   Instructions:

   1. In a bowl, combine diced Krai cucumber, chopped onion, diced tomato, and green chili.
   2. Drizzle with lemon juice and add salt; mix well.
   3. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve chilled.

2. Stuffed Krai Cucumber

   Ingredients:

   • Krai Cucumbers: 4 medium
   • Paneer: 200 g, crumbled
   • Green Chili: 1, finely chopped
   • Coriander Leaves: 2 tablespoons, chopped
   • Cumin Powder: ½ teaspoon
   • Salt: to taste
   • Oil: for frying

   Instructions:

   1. Cut the tops off the Krai cucumbers and scoop out the seeds to make space for stuffing.
   2. In a bowl, mix crumbled paneer, green chili, coriander leaves, cumin powder, and salt.
   3. Stuff the mixture into the hollowed cucumbers.
   4. Heat oil in a pan and cook the stuffed cucumbers until golden brown on all sides.
   5. Serve hot as a side dish.

3. Krai Cucumber Raita

   Ingredients:

   • Krai Cucumbers: 1 large, grated
   • Yogurt: 1 cup
   • Cumin Powder: ½ teaspoon
   • Salt: to taste
   • Black Pepper: to taste
   • Fresh Mint: for garnish

   Instructions:

   1. In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
   2. Add grated Krai cucumber, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
   3. Garnish with fresh mint and serve chilled.

4. Krai Cucumber Curry

   Ingredients:

   • Krai Cucumbers: 3, diced
   • Onion: 1 large, chopped
   • Tomato: 1 large, chopped
   • Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
   • Turmeric Powder: ½ teaspoon
   • Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
   • Oil: 2 tablespoons
   • Salt: to taste
   • Fresh Coriander: for garnish

   Instructions:

   1. Heat oil in a pan; add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
   2. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
   3. Stir in chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt; cook until tomatoes soften.
   4. Add diced Krai cucumbers and mix well; cook for 5 minutes.
   5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander.

5. Krai Cucumber Pickle

   Ingredients:

   • Krai Cucumbers: 500 g, sliced
   • Mustard Seeds: 1 tablespoon
   • Fenugreek Seeds: 1 teaspoon
   • Turmeric Powder: ½ teaspoon
   • Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
   • Salt: to taste
   • Vinegar: ¼ cup
   • Sugar: 1 teaspoon

   Instructions:

   1. In a pan, dry roast mustard and fenugreek seeds until fragrant; grind coarsely.
   2. In a bowl, combine sliced Krai cucumber, ground spices, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, vinegar, and sugar; mix well.
   3. Transfer to a jar and let it sit for at least 24 hours before using.

Non-Indian Recipes

1. Krai Cucumber Sandwich

   Ingredients:

   • Krai Cucumbers: 2, thinly sliced
   • Bread: 4 slices (whole grain or white)
   • Cream Cheese: 100 g
   • Dill: 1 tablespoon, chopped
   • Salt: to taste
   • Black Pepper: to taste

   Instructions:

   1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, dill, salt, and black pepper.
   2. Spread the mixture on two slices of bread.
   3. Layer with Krai cucumber slices and top with the remaining bread slices.
   4. Cut into quarters and serve.

2. Krai Cucumber Gazpacho

   Ingredients:

   • Krai Cucumbers: 2 large, chopped
   • Tomato: 1 large, chopped
   • Red Bell Pepper: 1, chopped
   • Onion: 1 small, chopped
   • Garlic: 1 clove
   • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
   • Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
   • Salt: to taste
   • Fresh Basil: for garnish

   Instructions:

   1. In a blender, combine chopped Krai cucumber, tomato, red bell pepper, onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt; blend until smooth.
   2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
   3. Garnish with fresh basil and serve cold.

3. Krai Cucumber Sushi Rolls

   Ingredients:

   • Krai Cucumbers: 2, thinly sliced
   • Sushi Rice: 1 cup, cooked
   • Nori Sheets: 4
   • Avocado: 1, sliced
   • Cream Cheese: 100 g
   • Soy Sauce: for dipping

   Instructions:

   1. Place a nori sheet on a bamboo mat; spread a thin layer of sushi rice over it.
   2. Add slices of Krai cucumber, avocado, and cream cheese.
   3. Roll tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces.
   4. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

4. Krai Cucumber and Feta Salad

   Ingredients:

   • Krai Cucumbers: 2 large, diced
   • Feta Cheese: 100 g, crumbled
   • Red Onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
   • Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
   • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
   • Fresh Oregano: 1 tablespoon, chopped
   • Salt: to taste
   • Black Pepper: to taste

   Instructions:

   1. In a bowl, combine diced Krai cucumbers, crumbled feta, and sliced onion.
   2. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve chilled.

5. Krai Cucumber Smoothie

   Ingredients:

   • Krai Cucumbers: 1 large, peeled and chopped
   • Spinach: 1 cup
   • Banana: 1, sliced
   • Yogurt: 1 cup
   • Honey: 1 tablespoon
   • Ice Cubes: a handful

   Instructions:

   1. In a blender, combine chopped Krai cucumber, spinach, banana, yogurt, honey, and ice cubes.
   2. Blend until smooth.
   3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Krai cucumber is a versatile vegetable that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with it in your cooking!