The best recipes to make the most of cucumber
If you spent even the briefest moment flicking through social media this summer, you’d have been hard-pressed to miss “the cucumber guy”. Canadian TikTok star Logan Moffitt, who kicks off his viral recipe videos with his catchphrase “Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber”, has been inspiring his 6.5 million followers to get more creative with the humblest of salad staples. Viewers have been so taken with his ideas that searches for “cucumber salad” on TikTok increased by a whopping 525 per cent in August.
The effects have been felt closer to home too, with UK supermarkets reporting a noticeable spike in the number of cucumbers added to shoppers’ baskets. Since July, when the trend first landed on TikTok, cucumber sales at M&S have increased by 20 per cent year on year and Iceland has said its suppliers have been struggling to keep up with a growing demand.
How to get the best from your cucumber
Well known for its health benefits, cucumber is an incredibly versatile ingredient – mild and refreshing, it works harmoniously with an enormous range of flavours. Moffitt is often influenced by Asian dishes, incorporating soy sauce, gochujang and sesame oil in his salads and is an avid user of MSG. Though you may choose to skip the latter, cucumber does benefit from a light sprinkle of flavour-enhancing salt which draws out the juices and any bitter tones and results in a crunchier texture. Sprinkle a little fine salt over chopped, sliced or coarsely grated cucumber then leave to drain in a colander for 30 minutes. Rinse well with cold water, squeezing out the excess liquid before dressing with your favourite flavours.
Six delicious ways to enhance flavour
Once chopped, there are plenty of ways to elevate your cucumber.
Herbs: dill, mint, coriander, and basil complement cucumber’s clean flavour
Citrus: lemon and lime add brightness and acidity
Dairy: yoghurt, soft cheese and feta bring a creamy complexity
Spices: black pepper, chilli flakes and cumin will add a gentle warmth
Vinegars: rice vinegar or white wine vinegar enhance and sharpen
Sweet flavours: honey or agave can balance cucumber’s light bitterness in salads or drinks
10 best cucumber recipes
Whether you fancy a traditional cucumber salad, a refreshing cocktail or a no-cook gazpacho, we’ve got you covered with this brilliant selection of cucumber recipes.