Assignment 6

Cutecumber

Cutecumber, all the cuteness you need!
Be cute on the inside and out!
You are cute because you truly are!
Where cuteness is born!
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the cutest of all?


 

Introduction

The English word “cucumber” comes from “cucumis”, Latin for gourd and sativus signifies the plant has a long history of cultivation. Cucumbers have an enclosed seeds and develop from flower, which make them scientifically classified as fruits. However, most people tend to identify them as vegetables; prepare and eat them as such.

Brief History

Cucumbers, a member of the gourd and squash family, are believed to have been cultivated over 3,000 years ago in Southern Asia. Early explorers and travelers introduced them and they became native to India and Egypt. From India it spread to other countries such as Egypt, Greece and Rome. It was probably introduced into other parts of Europe by the Romans, and records of cucumber cultivation appear in France in the 9th century, England in the 14th century, and in North America by the mid-16th century. In France, during the time of Louis XIV of France, Greenhouse cultivation of cucumbers was invented. The early colonists introduced cucumbers to the United States.

Cultural significant

In biblical period, cucumbers were believed to provide protection against snakes and insects. In Buddish-ism, they are known as emblem of fertility. In olden days, travelers used cucumbers to soothe thirst because of their high water content. Today, cucumbers are not only known as food but also as beneficial skin healing property. As food, cucumbers can be eaten raw or cooked. For example, cucumber sandwich is a tradition in English customary afternoon tea. On the other hand, they are often lightly cooked in the East. French people also use cucumbers oil, which is a substituted for olive oil.

Nutritional value

Given below is the amount of nutrients in 100 gm of raw, unpeeled cucumber

  • Carbohydrates – 3.63 gm
  • Sugars – 1.67 gm
  • Dietary Fiber – 0.5 gm
  • Fat – 0.11 gm
  • Protein – 0.65 gm
  • Thiamin (Vitamin B1) – 0.027 mg
  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) – 0.033 mg
  • Niacin (Vitamin B3) – 0.098 mg
  • Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) – 0.259 mg
  • Vitamin B6 – 0.040 mg
  • Folate (Vitamin B9) – 7 μg
  • Vitamin C – 2.8 mg
  • Calcium – 16 mg
  • Iron – 0.28 mg
  • Magnesium – 13 mg
  • Phosphorus – 24 mg
  • Potassium – 147 mg
  • Zinc 0.20 mg

Cucumbers’ health benefits

Daily consumption of cucumbers provides a lot of benefits to our health. For example, drinking cucumber juice effectively helps in regulating the body’s blood pH, neutralizing acidity, and helps to normalize our body temperature. Because it is colorless, this juice can help to regulate blood pressure because of its minerals and traces of sodium. Cucumber juice is also used for treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. It is also a suitable drink for people with fever. Cucumbers are excellent source of silica that contributes to the construction of connective tissues in our body parts such as in the bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. The silicon and sulfur content in cucumbers are very helpful in promoting hair growth.

Cucumbers other benefits

Raw cucumbers are often used as beauty ingredient that mostly applied externally. For example, slices of cool cucumbers can be used to soothe tired eyes. Rubbing cucumber juice will soothe sunburn skin because of its cooling and healing effect. Cucumbers are often one of the ingredients in cosmetic products such as facial cleansing, toning and body lotions. The high amount of vitamin C and anti-oxidants in cucumber makes it an important ingredient in many beauty creams for treating eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

How it relates to target audience?

Cucumber not only good for health but also beauty; the two of the most important elements that any girls need. Consuming and using cucumbers regularly are what healthy beautiful girls do.

Is it seasonal plant?

Cucumbers are warm season fruits

New benefits in progress

One of the newest studies on cucumbers indicates that the consumption of cucumbers may help to protect human body cells against damage from internal and external forces. Another advance on trial is cucumber as part of toothpaste’s ingredient; it shows a positive effect against random gum disease.

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How long it last?

Cucumbers usually last for 10 days to two week after they were harvested.

Where and how to store it?

Cucumber are sensitive to heat, they should be store in refrigerators. Proper packaging of cucumbers is often needed to maintain their moisture during the transportation. Left over cucumbers should be wrapped tightly in plastic or place it in a sealed container so that it does not become dried out. Cucumbers should not be left out at room temperature for too long, as this will cause them to wilt and become limp.

How to successfully grow it in NY?

Cucumbers are easy to grow! Since they are loved-summer fruits, they prefer warm temperature. They are perfect to grow in New York, not only because of the weather but also because they like to climb. Rather than requiring plenty space, cucumbers can be grown in small garden with trellises. They do not take that long to grow too; ready to be harvest after about 50 days after planting.

Equipment to grow it

  • Cloches
  • Compost Makers
  • Fertilizers
  • Fish Emulsions
  • Garden Rakes
  • Garden Spades
  • Garden Trowels
  • Mulch
  • Rototillers
  • Trellises
  • Cucumber Seeds

Condition to grow it

Cucumbers are a warm-weather crop and are best planted in early summer or late spring when temperatures are in the 20 degrees Celsius range. Place where cucumbers are planted should have six to eight hours a full sunlight a day. If you have a limited growing season, start cucumber seedlings indoors early, so you’ll be ready to plant when the warm weather arrives. Cucumbers love rich soil, well drained, and around a neutral pH (around 6.5); adding some compost to your soil or your planter would take care these preferences. Do not stress out over it, cucumber plants are flexible and easy to grow. Mulch helps soil retain moisture and keeps the cucumbers off the soil away from pests and clean.

When to harvest it?

Cucumbers are ready to harvest about 50-70 days after planting; better harvest them early than late! Cucumbers tend to get bitter as they grow bigger and their seeds would harden too. Make sure to pick them before they turn yellow. In order for them to last longer, store them in refrigerator.

Target Audiences profile

Demographics

•Age: 12-16
•Location: Upper east and west side of Manhattan, New York.
•Gender: female
•Income level: allowance around $100 a month.
•Education level: high school (grade 6th to 10th)
•Marital or family status: single, in relationship
•Occupation: full time students
•Background: middle class and above from all ethnic backgrounds.

Psychographics

• Personality: intellectual, fun, sociable and out-going.
• Attitudes:cute, chic, smart, confidence, optimistic, and friendly

• Values: Inner beauty is as important as outer beauty
• Interests/hobbies: fashion, music, socialize, party.
• Lifestyles: trend-shabby and self-conscious.
• Behavior: searching for self-expression, identity, and empowerment

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