NUTRITION SNAPSHOT: Per serving: 89 calories, 5.5g fat, .05g saturated fat, 9.5g carbohydrates, 0mg cholesterol, 1.5g protein, 243mg sodium, 2.5g fiber, 1.5g sugar

HARVEST OF THE MONTH RECIPE—JUNE

Gazpacho Servings: 5 (1 cup each)

4 Ripe Tomatoes

1 Large Cucumber, peeled, seeded

¼ Red Onion

½ Red Bell Pepper, seeded

½ Green Pepper, seeded

4 Cloves of Fresh Garlic

2 Tbs Olive Oil

3 Tbs Red Wine Vinegar

¼ tsp Black Pepper

½ tsp Salt

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth or desired consistency.

2. Chill for a minimum of 1 hour to let flavors incorporate.

Prep and Cook Time: 10 minutes

Possible Health Benefits of Cucumbers

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is well known to reduce the risk of many health conditions including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and overall mortality. Below are the specific benefits of consuming the refreshing, crisp cucumber.

Hydration – Since the cucumber is made up of 96% water and full of electrolytes, it is a perfect food to snack on during those hot summer days to prevent dehydration.

Skin – When placed on the skin, cucumber has a soothing effect that decreases swelling, irritation, and inflammation…great for treating sunburn or morning eye puffiness.

Bone Health – Cucumbers not only improve the absorption of calcium but also contain vitamin K, both essential nutrients necessary to build strong bones.

Cancer – Cucumbers contain high levels of a nutrient called cucurbitacins, which research has found to block the signaling pathways used by cancer cells to multiply and survive.

Nutritional Breakdown – One cup of raw sliced cucumber contains: 115 grams of water, 16 calories, 0.8g protein, 0.2g fat, and 2.9g carbohydrate, 11% daily needs of vitamin K, 4% daily needs of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and

manganese, and 2% daily needs of vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, B-6, folate,

pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and copper.