Pages

How to Create a Cucumber Flower

3/11/2014

Enhance your next tray of veggies and dip by cutting your cucumber slices into delicate flowers. Use a regular cucumber for this recipe as a hothouse cucumber may not be able to withstand the rigors of the design. Also, a small sharp paring knife is a must.


Edit Steps



  1. Wash the cucumber. Allow time to dry. Because the skin is waxy, you may need to help dry time by dabbing cucumbers with a clean paper towel.



    Create a Cucumber Flower Step 1.jpg


  2. Cut the cucumber in half width-wise. Make a clean, straight line cut across the middle of the cucumber so you end up with two pieces.



    Create a Cucumber Flower Step 2.jpg


  3. Slice the flower petals. Make thin, clean horizontal cuts around the skin of the cucumber. When you cut, be sure you include some pieces of the cucumber flesh along with the skin. Cuts should be very thin and spaced evenly around the cucumber.



    Create a Cucumber Flower Step 3.jpg


    • Cut almost to the bottom of the cucumber (away from the open, pre-cut portion) but not all the way through. The petals must stay intact.



      Create a Cucumber Flower Step 3Bullet1.jpg




  4. Make a thin slice at the bottom of the cucumber so it will stand up.



    Create a Cucumber Flower Step 4.jpg


  5. Position the cut petals with your fingers. Carefully pull every other petal outward in a stagger fashion so the petals start to take form/shape.



    Create a Cucumber Flower Step 5.jpg


  6. Remove the seed portion of the cucumber. Hollow out the middle portion of the cucumber with the paring knife. Carefully cut around the seed area and remove. Remove any remaining seeds with your knife so that you have a hollowed base.



    Create a Cucumber Flower Step 6.jpg


  7. Trim and enhance the petals. Make the petals look more like a flower by trimming the tops of the cucumber petals on a diagonal. Remove each petal corner or every other petal corner to add interest and elegance.



    Create a Cucumber Flower Step 8.jpg


  8. Re-shape the petals and add a small vegetable or dip garnish to the middle of the cucumber. You could add a few carrot strings or even a dollop of dressing.



    Create a Cucumber Flower Step 9.jpg





Edit Tips



  • Design an entire “flowering vegetable bouquet” and flower radishes and zucchini. Surround your bouquet by thin carrot peels and broccoli trees.

  • Position flowered cucumbers around a vegetable tray for added interest. Consider including sliced cucumbers as well (some guests won’t want to eat your creation).


Edit Things You'll Need



  • A well rounded, sturdy cucumber

  • A sharp paring knife, small enough to make intricate cuts but with enough power to make single cuts with little effort






Article Tools




Labels: