The New Complete Book of Food



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r Cucumbers

(Pickles)

Nutritional Profile

Energy value (calories per serving): Low

Protein: Moderate

Fat: Low

Saturated fat: Low

Cholesterol: None

Carbohydrates: High

Fiber: Low

Sodium: Low

Major vitamin contribution: Vitamin C

Major mineral contribution: Iron, potassium

About the Nutrients in This Food

Cucumbers are mostly (96 percent) water. Their dietary fiber is unique in

that it can hold up to 30 times its weight in water compared to the fiber

in wheat bran, which holds only four to six times its weight in water.

But cucumbers have so much water that there is little room for anything

else. Two ounces of fresh cucumber slices has less than one gram dietary

fiber—and no significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

The Most Nutritious Way to Serve This Food

Raw, fresh-sliced, with the unwaxed skin.

Diets That May Restrict or Exclude This Food

Antiflatulence diet

Low-fiber diet

Buying This Food

Look for: Firm cucumbers with a green, unwaxed skin. In the natural state,

the skin of the cucumber is neither shiny nor deep green, characteristics it