As our regular readers know we’ve been highlighting food holidays for years, sharing the history when we can find it, fun fact and great food and drinks relating to the food of the day. Well Thursday, June 14th happens to be World Cucumber Day.
Cucumbers are high in water and low in calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium. They have a mild, refreshing taste and a high water content. They can be refreshing and pleasant to eat in hot weather and help prevent dehydration. The term “cool as a cucumber” is actually derived from the cucumber’s ability to cool the temperature of the blood. Also when applied topically, cucumber really does cool the blood and eases facial swelling, which is why cucumbers are so popular in facial regimens.There are over 33 varieties of cucumbers, the most commonly available is the hothouse or so-called English cucumber. It is large, with a dark green skin, and few or no seeds.
Other types include:
Armenian, or snake cucumbers: These are long, and twisted. The skin is thin and dark green with pale furrows. These are often used for pickling.
Japanese cucumbers: These are dark green and narrow. The skin is thin with small bumps on it. They can be eaten whole.
Kirby cucumbers: These are often used for dill pickles. They have thin skin and small seeds, and they are crispy.
Lemon cucumber: These are around the size of a lemon, with pale skin. The taste is sweet and delicate.
Persian cucumbers: These are shorter and fatter than the hothouse cucumber. They are crunchy to eat.
But this year there’s an even cooler way to celebrate World Cucumber Day! Hendrick’s Gin is a brand of Gin produced by William Grant & Sons in Girvan, Scotland, and launched in 1999. In addition to the traditional juniper infusion, Hendrick’s uses cucumber and Bulgarian rose to add flavor. For several years now Hendrick’s celebrates this day and wishes to spread love, understanding and appreciation for cucumbers everywhere and invite all those with a curious mind to celebrate World Cucumber Day on June 14 to cultivate and embrace their very own unusual side.
Several bars across the Miami Valley will be featuring Hendrick’s cocktails on June 14th to celebrate “World Cucumber Day” with a slice of the unusual. Here they are, in no particular order:
Cucamelon Felon
Mudlick Taphouse: Cucamelon Felon*
Hendricks Gin, Fresh Watermelon, Fresh Cucumber, Fresh Lime Juice and House Made Mint Simple *its so good it’s criminal
Hole in the Wall Laid Back Lemonade
Hendrick’s Gin, cucumber syrup, fresh cucumber, lemonade & club soda. Garnished with a lemon wedge.
Lily’s Bistro Hendrick’s Cucumber Strawberry Old Fashioned
Hendrick’s Gin, Freshly Muddled Strawberries & Cucumber, Simple Syrup & Angostura Bitters. Served on the rocks and garnished with a strawberry and cucumber slice
The Black Watch
The Highland Stag The Black Watch
Hendrick’s Gin, Drambuie Liqueur, Blackberry Brandy, muddled blackberries & a blend of fruit juices
Carver’s Steaks & Chops The William Wallace
Hendrick’s Gin, St. Germain Elder Flower Liqueur, fresh squeezed lime, rhubarb bitters, fresh cucumber and an egg white
Canal St. Arcade & Deli Know it all Hipster
A shot of the unusual Hendrick’s Gin paired with Steigl Radler Grapefruit Beer
Trolley Stop G & T Mojito
Hendrick’s Gin, freshly muddled mint & lemon, simple syrup, & tonic water. Garnished with a fresh cucumber slice
The Scarla
Sky Asian Cuisine The Sarla
Hendrick’s Gin, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, fresh mint, fresh lime & house made cucumber puree
Patterson Pub Cool as a Cucumber Soda
Hendrick’s Gin, lemonade, lime juice, fresh cucumber & a hint of club soda
