Ah, the indulgences of summer vacation… When it comes to detox recipes, cucumber is the star ingredient on TikTok at the moment. We’ll explain why and share how to use it.
We already knew that a video could create unprecedented excitement for a piece of clothing, an accessory, or even a cosmetic product. But for a fruit? That’s unheard of! Yet that’s exactly what happened in Iceland a few weeks ago. The country experienced a cucumber shortage following a video posted by Canadian influencer Logan Moffitt, who has 6.4 million followers, on July 24.
Viewed over 32 million times, this recipe, adopted by many Icelanders, combines the green fruit with salmon, sesame oil, garlic, rice vinegar, and chili oil. It’s a realbuzz for someone who spent the summer filming cucumber-based salad recipes.
It’s worth noting that cucumber is ideal for consumption in hot weather. Low in calories, high in water and fiber, it has appetite-suppressing and antioxidant properties. Highly diuretic, it improves digestion and helps eliminate accumulated waste from the body. So, don’t hesitate to use it for a healthy and delicious detox recipe. Here are three examples.
Cucumber-Lemon Juice
Here’s a hydrating drink, perfect for those who struggle to drink their 2 liters of water daily. Ultra-refreshing, this detox recipe made with cucumber, lemon, and ginger is known for improving digestion and boosting metabolism. It helps eliminate waste and reduce fat absorption. It’s best enjoyed in the morning with breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 2 cucumbers
- 2 lemons
- 1 cm piece of ginger
- A few mint leaves
- Parsley
Preparation:
- Peel the cucumbers and cut them into pieces. Squeeze the lemons to extract the juice. Place everything into a blender, then add the grated ginger, a few mint leaves, and parsley sprigs.
- Blend for a few minutes, then pour the mixture into a glass. It’s best to drink this juice immediately to retain all its benefits.
Read also : GRÉGORY COHEN’S SIMPLE RECIPES FOR PERFECT APERITIFS !
Asian-Style Cucumber Salad
To stay trendy, try Logan Moffitt’s Asian-style cucumber salad. For a detox recipe, you can add a few radishes, known for aiding in the elimination of toxins and fats.
@logagm
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
- 1 teaspoon MSG (monosodium glutamate) or salt
- 2 garlic cloves
- 4 or 5 radishes (optional)
Preparation:
- After thoroughly washing the cucumber, cut it into thin slices. Place it in a jar with a lid. Add salt, close the container, and shake to release the cucumber juice.
- Rinse the cucumber slices using a strainer, then return them to the jar. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil. Season with a bit of MSG or salt and finish with crushed garlic. You can also add some thinly sliced radishes.
- Close the container and shake vigorously for a few seconds to mix all the ingredients well. Chill or serve immediately.
Cucumber, Lemon, and Mint Mousse
Who says detox recipes can’t be a dessert? It’s important to indulge (within reason, of course) to avoid frustration. Here, cucumber is combined with lemon juice and low-fat cottage cheese for a low-calorie mousse.
Ingredients:
- 1 large cucumber
- 200 g cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (to taste)
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- A few fresh mint leaves
- 6 sheets of gelatin
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- A few red berries (optional)
Preparation:
- Peel the cucumber, then cut it in half lengthwise to remove the seeds. Cut it into pieces and blend until smooth. Strain the puree through a sieve or strainer to remove excess water. Save the juice for later use.
- Soften the gelatin sheets in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes. Warm a small portion of the cucumber juice and dissolve the gelatin in it. Incorporate this mixture into the cucumber puree.
- In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, sugar, lime juice and zest, and finely chopped mint leaves. Add the cucumber puree. Adjust the sweetness with honey if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until the mousse sets. Before serving, add a few red berries and some fresh mint for decoration.