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Cucumbers are wonderfully refreshing — cool, crisp, and naturally hydrating. But beyond salads and sandwiches, this humble green star can bring freshness, texture, and flavour to a world of dishes. From quick pickles to global dips and warm stir-fries, here are some inspiring ways to make cucumbers the highlight of your kitchen.

1. Warm Up to Stir-Fried Cucumbers

Yes, cucumbers can be cooked — and they’re delicious! In many Asian kitchens, cucumbers are lightly stir-fried to retain their crunch while soaking up savoury flavours. Try tossing thick cucumber slices in a hot wok with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and scatter of fresh coriander — a simple yet surprising side for prawns, chicken, or tofu.

2. Whip Up Raita or Tzatziki

Cucumbers are the hero of two cooling classics. Raita, from India, pairs grated cucumber with natural yoghurt, mint, cumin, and a pinch of salt — a perfect match for spicy dishes. Tzatziki, from Greece, combines cucumber with thick Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil — ideal as a dip, spread, or sauce for grilled meats, seafood, or mezze platters.

3. Try Quick-Pickled Cucumbers

Quick pickling brings brightness and zing to your plate in minutes. Slice cucumbers thinly and soak them in vinegar, sugar, salt, and your choice of flavourings — think mustard seeds, dill, or chilli. These vibrant pickles are delicious on burgers, with seafood, or served alongside cheeses and charcuterie.

4. Blend a Cool Cucumber Smoothie or Juice

Cucumbers bring clean, cooling flavour to smoothies and juices. Blend them with mint, lime, and pineapple for a tropical refresher, or combine with spinach, apple, and lemon for a green energy boost. Visit Fruitezy Pyrmont to enjoy freshly pressed juices at the bar — or grab everything you need to blend your own at home.

5. Serve a Chilled Cucumber Soup

Turn cucumbers into something elegant and unexpected. A chilled cucumber and yoghurt soup makes the perfect light lunch or starter. Blend peeled cucumbers with Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic, and dill — serve in small bowls or glasses with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprig of mint.

6. Add a Twist to Your Drinks

Cucumber isn’t just for water (though cucumber, mint, and lemon-infused water is always a good idea). Try muddling cucumber into cocktails like gin and tonic or mojitos for a cool, botanical edge — or freeze cucumber ribbons into ice cubes for a striking garnish.

7. Get Gourmet

Take cucumber beyond the basics. Use thin ribbons as a delicate base for smoked salmon and crème fraîche, or dice finely for a bright cucumber and melon salsa to serve with grilled fish. For a dinner-party twist, top cucumber rounds with goat’s cheese and herbs for easy, elegant canapés.

Shop Fresh at Fruitezy

From stir-fries to smoothies, Fruitezy’s crisp, cool cucumbers add freshness and flair to every meal. Visit us in Pyrmont at the Sydney Fish Markets — or shop online for home delivery for quality cucumbers.