Cool as a Cucumber

Written by Samantha Johnson

July 17, 2023

If there's one thing I know about cucumbers, it's this: They're cool.

This is a proven, indisputable fact, made official by the phrase (which dates back to 1732) as cool as a cucumber. While there are multiple meanings of the word cool, I'd argue that cucumbers are cool in both the "beat the heat" sense as well as the "totally awesome" sense.

The phrase as cool as a cucumber came about as a result of folklore
(later proven to be true) that said "the inside of a field cucumber on
a warm day is 20 degrees cooler than the air temperature." (Thanks, Online Etymology Dictionary, etymonline.com.)

Basically, cucumbers have totally mastered the art of beating the heat, even when baking in the hot garden sun.

What can we learn from cucumbers to help us enjoy our summer, regardless of the heat?

• Keep Your Cool

Regardless of what's going on around you, follow the cucumber's example and keep your cool inside.

• Produce Under Pressure

When the summer days grow long and the heat grows oppressive, what do cucumber plants do? Produce like crazy. Let's try to do the same, even when circumstances are challenging.

• Play nicely with herbs

Cucumbers are virtually synonymous with dill (thanks, pickles), but basil, mint, and parsley are also excellent companions. Make friends with these herbs in your garden and incorporate them in refreshing summer dishes and beverages.

• Stay hydrated

Cucumbers are approximately 96% water, a higher percentage than almost any other food-clearly illustrating that staying hydrated is an integral part of beating the heat.

Thus, being as cool as a cucumber is so much better than being a couch potato or pea-brained, or being in a pickle or spilling the beans, don't you think?