How did the ‘Asian’ cucumber salad come about?

I always associate summer with the smell of cucumbers. In my childhood, we had a self-sufficient garden and were always richly endowed with home-grown vegetables in summer, including cucumbers, of course. We had cucumbers in all varieties almost every day and I still have fond memories of the smell of freshly peeled cucumbers on a hot summer's day. As I love experimenting with ingredients and trying out new recipes, I decided to try out cucumbers as a new experiment.

As I have been learning Mandarin for a few years now and love Chinese cuisine, I was inspired to try out a Chinese-Asian version. My Chinese friends always support me wholeheartedly and that's how the ‘Asian cucumber salad’ came about.

For me, it is always an experience to see how you can experience the best flavour with just a few ingredients. The recipe for success is the combination and knowledge of the effects and flavours of the ingredients.

Cucumber and the season

According to the ancient wisdom teachings, it is important to eat food according to its season. Nature knows exactly what the human body needs at any given time of year. Cucumber is a summer vegetable as it cools and puts out the ‘fire’. Cucumbers should be avoided in winter. In winter, the body needs more energy and should not cool down.

In today's modern world, we are used to having all kinds of vegetables available all year round. However, this goes against our body's rhythm and energy levels.

A return to the rhythms of nature gives you more energy and joy in eating again.

In my cookery book you will find seasonal recipes and a large seasonal calendar where you can find out which vegetables, salads and fruit are suitable at which time of year. HERE is the cookery book order form.

What does the cucumber do to the body?

According to Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, cucumber has a cooling effect, calms pitta (fire) and moisturises vata (air/ether). You can find more information on the doshas/energies in Ayurveda here.

Raw cucumber has a more cooling effect than cooked cucumber. Depending on your own constitution or physical complaints, the cucumber can be used as a therapeutic agent.

It is very digestible, has a diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect and supports the drainage of uric acid. With its rich ingredients such as potassium, iodine, manganese, sulphur and vitamins A, B and C, it is an important food on our table.

How cucumber affects the doshas

For the Kapha type, who should avoid raw foods due to their constitution, the cucumber salad can be made more digestible by adding chilli, as in my recipe. The salad should not be too salty for the Kapha type.

The Pitta type should eat the cucumber salad raw, without chilli and with little to no salt.

The Vata type needs water and salt, so use more salt, then the cucumber will be more watery and just a hint of chilli.

Would you like to know more about your own constitution and Dosha type? Make an appointment with me!