Szilvia Gogh, Staff Writer

Aside from what comes to most people’s mind when asked what can they do with a cucumber, here is a few ways this vegetable can be used:• Replace your crackers and scoop up the cheese-spread with thickly sliced cucumber. Not only is it crispy, but also munching on this snack will result in a lesser calorie intake.

• You’ll love the spa-quality beauty treatment cucumber offers. Instead of buying products that contain cucumber extract, use the real deal. As you put the cucumber slices onto your face Vitamin A soaks in, providing hydration and smoothening of your skin.

• Next time your mouth is on fire after eating spicy curry or burrito, chew on cucumber and it will reduce the burning sensation.

• If the parties you are hosting have a dull snack plate, shake it up with colorful edible sculptures carved out of carrot and cucumber. It not only looks great, but it is fun to bring out your artistic side occasionally.

• Expose yourself to different cuisines! A popular Greek dip, the Tzatziki, is easily preparable at home. Forget the pre-packaged stuff at the stores. Just mix plain yogurt, one large, peeled and shredded cucumber, some garlic, salt and pepper, and you have a refreshing, traditional mediterranean spread that you can eat with pita bread on hot sunny days.

• Try making sushi at home. If you’re feeling up to the adventure of rolling your own cut-roll, start by placing a sea-weed wrapper on a bamboo mat, add sushi rice, fresh tuna, cucumber, some wasabi and Japanese mayonnaise to taste. Roll it all up, slice it and eat it immediately.

• For a refreshing departure from the sushi-in-seaweed theme, try wrapping your rice roll in cucumber.
• On hot, sunny summer days, eat frozen cucumber squares! Squeeze lemon on top and you will enjoy a tangy snack that also cools your body temperature.