A cucumber sandwich might make one think of England; or is it the other way around? –  England makes one think of a cucumber sandwich?  The Ritz in London among other fine English hotels is famous for its high tea.   Sometimes reservations have to be made two months in advance.  In any case, it is certain that the cucumber sandwich, thinly sliced cucumbers in between very fine slices of buttered bread with the crusts removed, is a landmark of English food.

The elongated green vegetable is a powerhouse of valuable components.  It belongs to the same family as the  zucchini  and melon.  When choosing a cucumber look for a firm, shiny one with a smooth skin.

The skin is valuable in facilitating digestion.  Vitamins A, B, and C are substances found in this tasty vegetable as well as Vitamin E which helps to slow down the aging process in the body. In beauty products cucumber is a known component in facial remedies for rendering the skin smooth and shiny.

Cucumbers are, of course, eaten raw in salads and sandwiches but can also be sauteed for a lovely accompaniment to a meal.  So, especially in summer when they are fresh and in season, stock up on fresh cucumbers and benefit your health.

Grandma Nature