Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day. Cucumbers contain Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Also, the skin of a cucumber is rich in fibre and contains many nutrients. It is completely edible, so be sure not to peel them, but of course first wash any fruit or vegetable you eat.

Do you feel tired? Grab a cucumber. As a good source of B vitamins and carbohydrates, they provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

Just finish a business meeting and realize your breath is not at its best? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. They phytochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices of cucumber in a small aluminum pie tin and your garden will be free of pests. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them turn and run.

Do you have a terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins, and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium.

Looking to fight off those evening snack binges? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders, and explorers for quick meals to avoid starvation.

Are you out of WD40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice, rub it along the problem hinge, and the squeak will be gone.

Are you stressed out and don’t have time for a massage, facial, or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress.

Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks, or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean. Not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won’t leave streaks and won’t harm your fingers or fingernails while you clean.

Well, there you have it. Who knew the simple cucumber had so many uses? Go out and buy some Chatham-Kent cucumbers and try these things yourself.

Now don’t have a pickle about this, but did you know that Chatham-Kent is the number ONE producer of cucumbers in all of Canada? That is amazing!

Kim Cooper has been involved in the agribusiness sector for over 40 years. He can be reached at: kim.e.cooper@gmail.com . You can also follow him on Twitter at ‘theAGguy’