Cucumber - Mangalore, 900 g - 1.1 Kg

Overview of Mangalore Cucumber

Mangalore Cucumber is a thick-skinned, large, yellow cucumber with green or orange stripes. It has a mild, subtly sweet flavor and is commonly used in South Indian cooking. Unlike regular cucumbers, it has a firmer texture, making it suitable for various cooked dishes, though it can also be enjoyed raw.

Nutritional Value (per 100g):

• Calories: 14 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3.6g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Vitamin C: 10.4mg
• Potassium: 136mg
• Calcium: 16mg
• Iron: 0.3mg
• Water Content: Approximately 96%

Health Benefits of Mangalore Cucumber:

1. Hydration: Its high water content keeps you hydrated.
2. Low in Calories: Good for weight management.
3. Rich in Antioxidants: Contains vitamins A and C for skin health and immunity.
4. Improves Digestion: Fiber supports digestion and helps prevent constipation.
5. Detoxifying Properties: Acts as a natural diuretic and helps flush out toxins.

Indian Recipes Using Mangalore Cucumber

1. Mangalore Cucumber Sambar

• Ingredients:
  • Mangalore cucumber - 1 cup, diced
  • Toor dal - 1/2 cup
  • Tamarind - 1 tbsp
  • Sambar powder - 1 tbsp
  • Turmeric - 1/4 tsp
  • Salt - to taste
  • Curry leaves - 5-6
  • Oil - 1 tbsp
  • Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
  • Cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp
  • Coriander leaves - for garnish
• Method:
  1. Rinse and boil toor dal until soft.
  2. Cook diced cucumber separately with turmeric, salt, and water.
  3. Add tamarind, sambar powder, and boiled dal. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Temper mustard and cumin in oil with curry leaves, and add to the sambar.
  5. Garnish with coriander leaves.

2. Mangalore Cucumber Pachadi (Yogurt Salad)

• Ingredients:
  • Mangalore cucumber - 1 cup, diced
  • Yogurt - 1 cup
  • Salt - to taste
  • Green chili - 1, finely chopped
  • Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
  • Curry leaves - 5-6
  • Oil - 1 tsp
• Method:
  1. Mix diced cucumber with yogurt, salt, and green chili.
  2. In a small pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds and curry leaves.
  3. Pour the tempering over the cucumber and yogurt mixture and serve.

3. Southekayi Huli (Karnataka-style Cucumber Curry)

• Ingredients:
  • Mangalore cucumber - 1 cup, diced
  • Grated coconut - 1/2 cup
  • Tamarind - 1 tbsp
  • Green chili - 2
  • Turmeric - 1/4 tsp
  • Curry leaves - 6-7
  • Salt - to taste
• Method:
  1. Grind coconut, green chilies, turmeric, and tamarind into a paste.
  2. Cook cucumber with salt and water, then add the paste.
  3. Simmer until the flavors meld and the cucumber is tender.

4. Mangalore Cucumber Stir-Fry

• Ingredients:
  • Mangalore cucumber - 1 cup, diced
  • Turmeric - 1/4 tsp
  • Red chili powder - 1/2 tsp
  • Salt - to taste
  • Grated coconut - 2 tbsp
  • Oil - 1 tbsp
  • Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Method:
  1. Heat oil, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
  2. Add cucumber, turmeric, chili powder, and salt, and cook until tender.
  3. Add grated coconut, stir, and cook for a few minutes before serving.

5. Mangalore Cucumber Rasam

• Ingredients:
  • Mangalore cucumber - 1 cup, diced
  • Tamarind - 1 tbsp
  • Rasam powder - 1 tbsp
  • Tomato - 1, chopped
  • Curry leaves - 5-6
  • Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
  • Oil - 1 tsp
  • Salt - to taste
• Method:
  1. Boil cucumber with tamarind and tomatoes until soft.
  2. Add rasam powder and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Temper with mustard seeds and curry leaves in oil and pour into the rasam.

Non-Indian Recipes Using Mangalore Cucumber

1. Cucumber Gazpacho

• Ingredients:
  • Mangalore cucumber - 1 cup, diced
  • Garlic - 1 clove
  • Olive oil - 2 tbsp
  • Vinegar - 1 tbsp
  • Salt - to taste
• Method:
  1. Blend cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar until smooth.
  2. Chill and serve garnished with diced cucumber and a drizzle of olive oil.

2. Mangalore Cucumber Smoothie

• Ingredients:
  • Mangalore cucumber - 1 cup, diced
  • Yogurt - 1 cup
  • Mint leaves - 5-6
  • Honey - 1 tbsp
• Method:
  1. Blend cucumber, yogurt, mint, and honey until smooth.
  2. Serve chilled.

3. Cucumber Avocado Salad

• Ingredients:
  • Mangalore cucumber - 1 cup, diced
  • Avocado - 1, diced
  • Lime - 1, juiced
  • Cilantro - for garnish
  • Salt - to taste
• Method:
  1. Toss cucumber and avocado with lime juice and salt.
  2. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

4. Grilled Cucumber Slices

• Ingredients:
  • Mangalore cucumber - 1, sliced
  • Olive oil - 1 tbsp
  • Salt - to taste
  • Black pepper - 1/4 tsp
  • Fresh rosemary - 1 tsp, chopped
• Method:
  1. Brush cucumber slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
  2. Grill for a few minutes on each side until soft.

5. Cucumber and Herb Yogurt Dip

• Ingredients:
  • Mangalore cucumber - 1 cup, grated
  • Greek yogurt - 1 cup
  • Fresh dill - 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Garlic - 1 clove, minced
  • Lemon juice - 1 tbsp
• Method:
  1. Mix grated cucumber with yogurt, garlic, dill, and lemon juice.
  2. Season with salt and chill before serving.

These recipes bring out the unique qualities of Mangalore Cucumber across various dishes. Let me know if you'd like detailed instructions on any specific one.