Local Mini Cucumber, 500 g

Bajpe Mini Cucumber Overview

Bajpe Mini Cucumber is a small, crisp variety of cucumber that originates from the Bajpe region in India. Known for its refreshing taste and crunchy texture, it is often used in salads, sandwiches, and as a snack. This cucumber variety is typically shorter and more rounded than standard cucumbers, with a smooth, shiny skin.

Nutritional Value of Bajpe Mini Cucumber (per 100g):

• Calories: 12 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2.2g
• Fiber: 0.7g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Vitamin C: 8 mg (about 10% of the daily recommended intake)
• Vitamin K: 16 mcg
• Potassium: 150 mg
• Magnesium: 13 mg
• Water Content: Approximately 95%

Health Benefits of Bajpe Mini Cucumber:

1. Hydrating: Due to its high water content, it helps keep the body hydrated.
2. Low Calorie: It's low in calories, making it an excellent snack for weight management.
3. Rich in Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
4. Digestive Health: The fiber content supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
5. Skin Health: Vitamin C and other antioxidants promote healthy skin.

How to Eat Bajpe Mini Cucumber:

Bajpe mini cucumbers can be enjoyed raw in salads, as snacks with dips, in sandwiches, or pickled. They can also be sliced thinly and added to various dishes for a crunchy texture and refreshing flavor.

Indian Recipes Using Bajpe Mini Cucumber

1. Bajpe Mini Cucumber Salad

• Ingredients:
  • Bajpe mini cucumber - 2, chopped
  • Tomato - 1, chopped
  • Onion - 1, finely chopped
  • Green chili - 1, finely chopped
  • Lemon juice - 1 tbsp
  • Salt - to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves - for garnish
• Method:
  1. In a bowl, mix the chopped cucumber, tomato, onion, and green chili.
  2. Drizzle lemon juice, add salt, and toss gently.
  3. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve immediately.

2. Cucumber Raita

• Ingredients:
  • Bajpe mini cucumber - 1, grated
  • Yogurt - 1 cup
  • Roasted cumin powder - 1/2 tsp
  • Salt - to taste
  • Fresh mint leaves - for garnish
• Method:
  1. In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
  2. Add grated cucumber, cumin powder, and salt, and mix well.
  3. Garnish with mint leaves and serve chilled.

3. Bajpe Cucumber Pickle

• Ingredients:
  • Bajpe mini cucumber - 500g, sliced
  • Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
  • Fenugreek seeds - 1/2 tsp
  • Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
  • Salt - 1 tbsp
  • Lemon juice - 1/4 cup
• Method:
  1. Mix sliced cucumber with salt and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  2. In a pan, dry roast mustard and fenugreek seeds until fragrant, then grind to a powder.
  3. Combine cucumber, ground spices, turmeric, and lemon juice in a jar.
  4. Let it marinate for at least 2 days before serving.

4. Bajpe Mini Cucumber Stir-Fry

• Ingredients:
  • Bajpe mini cucumber - 2, sliced
  • Onion - 1, sliced
  • Green chili - 1, slit
  • Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
  • Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
  • Oil - 1 tbsp
  • Salt - to taste
• Method:
  1. Heat oil in a pan; add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  2. Add onion and green chili, sauté until onions are translucent.
  3. Add sliced cucumber and turmeric; stir-fry until tender.
  4. Season with salt and serve hot.

5. Cucumber Chutney

• Ingredients:
  • Bajpe mini cucumber - 1, chopped
  • Green chili - 1, chopped
  • Ginger - 1/2 inch piece
  • Coconut - 1/2 cup, grated
  • Salt - to taste
  • Lemon juice - 1 tbsp
• Method:
  1. Blend cucumber, green chili, ginger, coconut, and salt until smooth.
  2. Add lemon juice and blend again.
  3. Serve as a dip or spread.

Non-Indian Recipes Using Bajpe Mini Cucumber

1. Cucumber and Feta Salad

• Ingredients:
  • Bajpe mini cucumber - 2, diced
  • Feta cheese - 100g, crumbled
  • Olive oil - 2 tbsp
  • Lemon juice - 1 tbsp
  • Salt and pepper - to taste
  • Fresh mint leaves - for garnish
• Method:
  1. In a bowl, combine cucumber, feta, olive oil, and lemon juice.
  2. Season with salt and pepper and toss gently.
  3. Garnish with mint leaves and serve.

2. Cucumber Sandwiches

• Ingredients:
  • Bajpe mini cucumber - 1, thinly sliced
  • Cream cheese - 100g
  • Whole wheat bread - 4 slices
  • Fresh dill - for garnish
  • Salt and pepper - to taste
• Method:
  1. Spread cream cheese on each slice of bread.
  2. Layer cucumber slices on two slices, season with salt and pepper.
  3. Top with remaining bread slices, cut into quarters, and garnish with dill.

3. Cucumber Smoothie

• Ingredients:
  • Bajpe mini cucumber - 1, chopped
  • Greek yogurt - 1 cup
  • Honey - 1 tbsp
  • Mint leaves - a handful
  • Ice cubes - as needed
• Method:
  1. Blend cucumber, yogurt, honey, and mint until smooth.
  2. Add ice cubes and blend again until frothy.
  3. Serve chilled in glasses.

4. Cucumber Gazpacho

• Ingredients:
  • Bajpe mini cucumber - 2, chopped
  • Tomato - 1, chopped
  • Bell pepper - 1, chopped
  • Onion - 1/2, chopped
  • Olive oil - 2 tbsp
  • Red wine vinegar - 1 tbsp
  • Salt and pepper - to taste
• Method:
  1. Blend cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, onion, olive oil, and vinegar until smooth.
  2. Season with salt and pepper and chill in the refrigerator before serving.

5. Cucumber Salsa

• Ingredients:
  • Bajpe mini cucumber - 1, diced
  • Tomato - 1, diced
  • Red onion - 1/2, diced
  • Lime juice - 1 tbsp
  • Cilantro - a handful, chopped
  • Salt - to taste
• Method:
  1. In a bowl, combine cucumber, tomato, onion, lime juice, and cilantro.
  2. Season with salt and mix well.
  3. Serve as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos.

These recipes showcase the versatility of Bajpe mini cucumbers in various cuisines. Enjoy exploring their refreshing flavor in both traditional and innovative dishes! Let me know if you need any more details!