Cucumber
Cucumber is your secret weapon to quick dopamine meals. It’s cool, crisp, and unbelievably adaptable. Whether you’re chopping it up for a snack, slicing it into salads, or dressing it in chilli oil, cucumber always adds that juicy, refreshing lift. It plays well with everything—creamy yoghurts, tangy pickles, spicy sauces—and can go from sidekick to star with just a little seasoning. It’s one of the easiest veg to keep on hand. No peeling, no cooking, just wash, slice, and eat.
Why is it good for ADHD?
- Hydration Hero – Cucumber is about 95% water, which helps with hydration—a key factor in maintaining focus and mood.
- Low Calorie, High Volume – You can eat loads without overthinking portions, making it perfect for sensory satisfaction and full plates with minimal effort.
- Contains Antioxidants – Including vitamin C and flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation and support overall brain health.
- Gut-Friendly – Light, water-rich foods like cucumber support digestion and help balance meals that are higher in protein or fat.
Different Types & Cuts
- Standard English Cucumbers – Long, thin-skinned, and great for slicing or snacking.
- Mini Cucumbers – Crisp and sweet, perfect for lunchboxes or quick dips.
- Pickling Cucumbers – Shorter and firmer, ideal for quick pickles or fermented snacks.
- Pre-Sliced or Batons – Found in supermarket snack packs—great for convenience.
Buying Tips
- Expensive doesn't mean better. You can pick up a whole English Cucumber for pennies that's just as delicious as the more expensive varieties.
- Look for firm, unwrinkled cucumbers with a smooth, dark green skin.
- Avoid overly soft ends or yellowing.
- Store uncut cucumbers in the fridge’s vegetable drawer, loosely wrapped to avoid moisture build-up.
- Don’t overpay for pre-cut unless you need the speed—whole cucumbers last longer and taste fresher.
Storage Tips
- Whole: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Cut: Keep in an airtight container and eat within 2–3 days for best texture.
- Pickled: Quick pickles can be stored for up to 1 week in the fridge in vinegar-based brine.
Prep Tips
Prepping cucumbers is really simple. Just take off the plastic if there is any and chop it into slices or chunks. Here are some more advanced preps:
- Deseed - To deseed a cucumber just chop it in half lengthways and use a teaspoon or tablespoon to scrape out the seeds in the middle. This isn't alwasys neccessary but helps if you want a crunchier dish with less moisture.
- For ribbons - Use a veg peeler to create beautiful ribbons. Just make sure you stop when you get to the seeds
- Salt to soften – Sprinkle with salt and let sit 10 mins before dressing to draw out water and boost texture.
- Great for batch prep – Make a big bowl of chilli oil cucumber or yoghurt dip and snack on it for days.
Top Flavour Bomb Combos
Cucumber is such a versatile veg pairing well with so many flavour bombs. Here are some of our favourites:
- Spicy: Toss in crispy chilli oil for a bold, crunchy salad.
- Creamy: Combine with yoghurt and garlic for a cooling dip or spread.
- Pickled: Soak in rice vinegar, salt, and sugar for a fast fridge pickle.
- Fresh: Mix with lemon juice, herbs, and salt for a zingy side dish.
Related Recipes
Crispy Chilli Cucumber Salad
Want something super tasty , crunchy, spicy and refreshing but low spoons? This salad delivers crunch, spice, and satisfaction in just minutes. The cucumber keeps things fresh and hydrating, while the soy-chilli-vinegar dressing hits all the right dopamine notes. It’s the kind of side dish you’ll want to make on repeat, and you barely even have to think.