As a summer staple, cucumbers are refreshing, hydrating, and packed with health benefits. They're a natural wellness boost for your body.
But what about those peels? Too often, they end up in the trash—a real waste. Fortunately, my dietitian friend shared these two simple, delicious recipes to make the most of cucumber peels.
These foolproof recipes take just 5 minutes and are perfect for hot summer days. Here's how:
This chilled drink is a game-changer on hot days—far superior to store-bought detox waters with questionable additives. Plus, it's practically free!
- 1 large handful of organic cucumber peels
- Zest from 2 organic limes
- Zest from 1 organic lemon
- 2 sprigs of mint
- 1 liter of spring or sparkling water
- Wash the cucumber, mint, limes, and lemon. For non-organic produce, scrub with baking soda to remove pesticides.
- Peel the cucumber and place the peels at the bottom of a carafe.
- Zest the limes and lemon using a zester or peeler. Add two lime zests and one lemon zest to the carafe.
- Add the mint leaves.
- Pour in the spring or sparkling water.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to chill and infuse flavors.
Your homemade detox water is ready! :-)
This light, refreshing soup makes the perfect hot-weather appetizer. It's budget-friendly, takes 5 minutes, and is a hit in my home—using just peels for zero waste.
- Peels from 5 cucumbers
- 1 sweet onion
- 1/2 bunch of coriander (cilantro)
- 2 Greek yogurts
- 10 cl olive oil
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Peel and finely chop the onion (try chilling it first to avoid tears).
- Wash and chop the coriander, reserving one-third.
- In a blender, combine the yogurts and olive oil.
- Add the peels, 2/3 chopped coriander, onion, curry, salt, and pepper.
- Blend on low, then high speed.
- Blend for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Divide into 4 bowls, garnish with reserved coriander, and add 1-2 ice cubes per bowl for extra chill.
Your soup is ready! :-)
- Clean your blender quickly: add soapy water and blend for 2 minutes.
- No coriander? Substitute mint or parsley.
- Freeze peels in a bag as you go. Thaw before using to accumulate enough.
