History
The cucumber, whose scientific name is Cucumis sativus, is an herbaceous vegetable plant native to India. It has been cultivated for more than 3,000 years in Western Asia, notably in ancient Egypt, where the Hebrews discovered it during their captivity. It is mentioned three times in the Old Testament. Cucumber was also part of ancient Greek and Roman cuisine.
In the 17th century, cucumber was considered a noble food, valued by the upper classes, who saw it as a pleasure food since it is a fruit that does not provide satiety.
No precise date of introduction to Martinique is known, but it was likely brought to the island by European settlers.
Varieties
There are more than 78 varieties of cucumber. The “Antilles cucumber” is itself a specific variety. In Martinique, several varieties are grown, including Kalima, Eureka, Antilla, Gemini 7, Maverick, Calypso, Pixie, Chipper, and Poinset.
Like melon, cucumber is a climbing and creeping plant. Its large alternate, stipulate leaves are pentagonal with palmate veins and have 3 to 5 lobes. The leaf margins are toothed. The plant shows great variability in leaf shape even on the same individual.
The flowers are unisexual. Male and female flowers are pale yellow, distinct, and borne on the same plant.
The fruits are elongated and fleshy, with a smooth or rough texture depending on the variety. They can reach 30 cm in length and 5 cm in diameter. They are berries containing numerous seeds. As cucumbers mature, their color varies depending on the variety, shifting from green to white or even yellow.
Medicinal Virtues
Eating a cucumber helps soothe heartburn. Applied externally, it calms skin burns.
Cucumber is well known for its benefits to the skin. Rich in water, it helps cleanse waste from the body. When consumed regularly, it is said to help dissolve kidney stones.
Very rich in vitamins A, B, and C, cucumber provides energy and helps strengthen the immune system.
As commonly seen, cucumber slices are often used to reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.
Cucumber is also excellent for weight loss because it is very low in calories. Its fiber content increases satiety.
It also helps stabilize blood pressure, and its vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contribute to cancer prevention.
Cucumber contains silica, which promotes healthy nails and hair.
It also helps reduce uric acid levels, which benefits kidney health, and supports insulin production, which may be helpful for people with diabetes.
Uses
Cucumber is widely consumed in Martinique, especially the Kalina variety commonly grown in home gardens. It is used as a vegetable and is often eaten grated or chopped. It is the essential ingredient in the traditional concombre–hareng saur starter.
Around the world, cucumber is also eaten in salads and is widely used in skincare products such as shower gels, body lotions, and soaps.
It is also used in spa treatments.
Cucumbers grown in Martinique are not exported but consumed locally.
