Regular fluid intake is a vital component of maintaining good health, but many people find it difficult to drink enough water every day. Cucumber water is a great solution to this problem, adding the no-calorie flavor of juices, sodas, and other beverages. You can make cucumber water at home so you always have something tasty to keep you hydrated or you can serve it to guests and make an impressive host.
Ingredients
- Medium sized cucumber
- 1900 ml water
- (Optional) mint, citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, sparkling water
Step
Part 1 of 2: Making Cucumber Water
Step 1. Prepare the cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers to remove any dirt or bacteria that may be present. If desired, peel the skin of the cucumber using a vegetable peeler or a small knife.
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Another interesting option is to peel the skin thin, and leave it for garnish.
Make Cucumber Water Step 1Bullet1 - Peeling cucumbers is basically a matter of taste, whether you prefer the appearance and texture of cucumbers with or skin on.
Step 2. Slice the cucumber
Using a sharp knife, cut the cucumber in half. Slice each of these into 0.6-1.25 cm thick slices.
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If desired, remove the seeds of the cucumber by removing the soft center of the cucumber with a spoon before slicing it. Cucumber seeds are edible, but some people prefer not to use them in drinks.
Make Cucumber Water Step 2Bullet1
Step 3. Put the cucumber slices in the pitcher
Cucumber slices will float, so if you want a stronger drink, put some ice on top of the cucumber so that the cucumber is below the surface of the water.
- For best results, let the cucumbers soak in the water for at least an hour before drinking so the flavors will soak into the water.
- Leaving the cucumber water on overnight will make the taste of this drink stronger.
- Stir gently before serving.
Step 4. Pour the water into the teapot
How much water will depend on the size of the pitcher, but a good starting ratio is 1900 ml of water to one medium cucumber.
- Cucumber juice is best chilled, so choose a pitcher that will fit in the refrigerator.
- If this is not an option, add ice to the pitcher to allow the drink to cool before serving.
Step 5. Refill the teapot with water
The same cucumber, or other variations if added to the drink can be used for several servings of cucumber water. Leave the cucumber slices in the pitcher when serving and refill the pitcher again.
- If the cucumber juice doesn't taste as good, throw it away or eat the remaining cucumber slices.
- Consume cucumber water within two days, as this will reduce its shelf life and the longer the cucumber will rot.
Part 2 of 2: Adding Variety
Step 1. Put the mint leaves in the water
Wash a few mint leaves under running water. Slice the mint leaves into small ribbons to allow the flavors to absorb better and result in smaller leaf slices in the drink.
- Mint is readily available at most supermarkets and is also hardy enough to grow in the garden.
- Adding mint leaves to cucumber water will make this drink sweeter without adding sugar.
Step 2. Mix water with citrus fruits
Lemons, limes, and sweet oranges all add a strong flavor to cucumber water without adding calories. If serving immediately, cut the fruit in half and squeeze the juice into the prepared cucumber juice. Slices of fruit can be left with the cucumber to soak for a longer time.
- Don't forget to wash the fruit, especially if you are going to let the slices soak.
- Be careful, the fruit can contain seeds that can get into the drink.
- Citrus fruits are also an important source of vitamin C which is needed to strengthen bones and muscles.
Step 3. Add the sliced strawberries
Remove the top protective leaf of the strawberry with a small knife and wash the fruit to remove any dirt. Slice the strawberries in half and let them soak in the cucumbers.
- Strawberries are an important source of potassium which can help lower blood pressure.
- Strawberry tastes best when it's in season. Look for dark red strawberries that still have the protective tops on them.
Step 4. Add frozen pineapple
Pineapple chunks add a tangy sour taste to the cucumber juice. Slice fresh or canned pineapple and place it in the freezer for a quick addition.
Add 100 grams of frozen pineapple to a jug of cucumber water
Step 5. Use sparkling water instead of plain water
Fill half the pitcher with sparkling water for the initial soak and add the rest with cold water before serving for maximum flavor and sparkling bubbles.
- Sparkling water or other carbonated water can give you the sensation of drinking soda without adding calories or sugar like commercially available drinks.
- If calories are a consideration, don't forget to check the bottled sparkling water label to make sure you're not adding anything but soda bubbles.
- Remember, sparkling water will taste bland over time, so it's better to refrigerate it before opening the can than to open the can and refrigerate it.
