Each month the Cambridge in Motion team sends a flyer with fun facts and a family newsletter to celebrate the Mass Farm to School partnership. We hope your family enjoys the fun and learning opportunities within! This month we are learning about cucumbers! Enjoy the fun resources, recipes, lessons and activities that keep your family exploring and thriving! Follow us on twitter @CambMotion Cucumber Fun Facts! _____________________________________________ Cucumbers are ~96% water (the human body is ~60-65% water). Cucumbers sometimes have an unpleasant, bitter taste. The bitter taste is caused by compounds called cucurbitacins (cue-curb-a-tas-ins). Cucumbers produce cucurbitacins as a defense against insects, fungus and herbivores. Cucumbers can be up to 20 degrees cooler on the inside than the outside air. Cucumbers were first grown domestically in ancient India. Mashed or sliced cucumber can provide relief for a sunburn (just like aloe vera!). Cucumbers are super sensitive to ethylene gas (a ripening gas given off by some produce, such as tomatoes, bananas, and melons) so store them away from these items to avoid spoilage!

July Harvest of the Month Video!

Watch our Cambridge in Motion monthly video series featuring the Harvest of the Month (foods that are grown locally to New England)! You'll watch our public health nutritionist bring to life some fun facts, make a quick snack, and give nutrition or cooking tips! Watch the Cucumber Video!

Learning About Cucumbers!

(1) How Do Cucumbers Grow? Watch this 8-minute installment from True Food TV on youtube and learn how cucumbers grow! (3) I Hear a Pickle: Read the book "I Hear a Pickle" by Rachel Isadora together (or watch this read aloud of it). Then do a taste test of pickles (any you like, try a couple different kinds!), and complete this 5-senses activity sheet. This is a great activity for bringing food and senses together in an easy way. (4) Timelapse Video: Cucumber from Seed to Fruit. Watch this 4-minute video to see the whole process from seed planting to harvesting a cucumber!

Joke of the Month! Q: What did the pickle say to the cucumber? A: Come on in, the water is brine.

Eat Your Water!

Some of us find it difficult to drink as much water as our bodies need, but did you know that certain foods can help us stay hydrated? Fruits and vegetables generally have higher water content than other foods, but there are definitely some standouts in the crowd. These foods are made up of over 90% water: cantaloupe, strawberries, watermelon, lettuce, cauliflower, celery, zucchini, and of course, cucumbers (which are about 96% water)! This summer, when the weather is hot and we are more prone to dehydration, be sure to enjoy some of these foods. Along with the water, you'll get a nice boost of vitamins, minerals, and fiber as well. Your body will most certainly thank you.

Delicious Recipes! Try this Cucumber Watermelon Salad for your next favorite easy summer dish! Try this spicy yet refreshing Chilled Gazpacho Soup on any hot Summer day! Try this Creamy Cucumber Mint Sauce as a way to cool down a spicy dish or as a dip! Try this East African Cucumber & Mango Salad! Enjoy this Roasted Chickpea & Cucumber Salad on its own or wrapped up in a whole wheat pita! Try this Easy Vinegar Marinated Cucumber Salad for a great summer side! Children's Book Spotlight "Our School Garden" Written by Rick Swann, Illustrated by Christy Hale "New city. New school. Michael is feeling all alone—until he discovers the school garden! There’s so many ways to learn, and so much work to do. Taste a leaf? Mmm, nice and tangy hot. Dig for bugs? “Roly-poly!” he yells. But the garden is much more than activities outdoors and each season creates a new way to learn, explore and make friends."

Food Waste Reduction Tip! Did you know that green onions are the gift that keeps on giving? Once you slice down to the white bulb, stick that bulb into a jar/glass of water and watch the green onion regrow! That's right, with only water you can regrow these tasty green stalks up to 4 times. So don't just toss them out, get your money's worth and regrow your green onions until they won't grow anymore. Don't miss the July 2021 Edition of Rehash It- Don't Trash It! from the Cambridge Recycling Advisory Committee for monthly tips on reducing food waste in Cambridge!

Click Here to download our Harvest of the Month Family Newsletter

Cambridge Public Health Department 119 Windsor St. Cambridge, MA Follow us on Twitter @CambMotion