Botanicals Spotlight: Strawberry and Cucumber
When I think about September in the garden, the word abundance immediately comes to mind. The cucumbers come in faster than anyone can eat them (I’m literally making pickles daily); my neighbors are reaping the rewards of more tomatoes and basil than I know what to do with. The strawberries, on the other hand, I do not share; I literally eat them right off the plant as they ripen.
I thought it would be fun to talk about two of the above botanicals that end up in my kitchen and in our formulas.
Strawberries
The part of the plant that ends up in our formulas isn't the part that you would expect. The seeds on the outside of the berry get cold pressed into an oil that is light and naturally rich in antioxidants. That is why Strawberry Seed Oil is in our Brightening Cleanser, alongside hydrolyzed wheat protein and tomato extract. It cleanses without stripping and doubles as a mask, all while being gentle on your skin.
And it's not only seeds. Strawberry Leaf Extract is in our Brightening Cream, where it helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone; same plant, completely different parts, isn’t nature cool?
Cucumbers
When you think of skincare and cucumbers, you may think of two slices over the eyelids. However, the real reason it earns a place in a formula is simpler. It is a plant that is almost entirely water, and cucumber extract brings a cooling quality. You will find it in our CoQ-10 Toner, working with Roman chamomile to refresh while aloe, papaya, sage, and hyaluronic acid replenish and hold hydration in and let’s not forget the mother of antioxidants, CoQ-10. I have a bottle on my desk, on my vanity, in my bag, and in my car all year round. I may have a slight obsession with that product.
While I can't drop off a care package of fresh produce to each of you, I thought I'd do the next best thing and share one of my favorite salad recipes. It's perfect for this time of year, and if you grow cucumbers, here's something a little sweeter than the pickle recipe I shared on my Instagram.
Strawberry Cucumber Hydration Salad
Serves 4 as a side
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1 large English cucumber, sliced thin
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1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved
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1/4 cup fresh mint, torn
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1/3 cup crumbled feta, optional
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2 tablespoons good extra virgin olive oil (I’m obsessed with Kosterina)
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or white balsamic
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Flaky salt and cracked black pepper
Slice the cucumbers into a colander, toss with a generous pinch of salt, and walk away for ten minutes. Pat them dry. Combine with the strawberries and mint in a wide shallow bowl, add the oil and lemon, and toss gently. Twice is enough so they don’t bruise. Add the feta if you want it, finish with salt and pepper, and serve right away.
Do not skip the salting step, and salt only the cucumbers. They hold an enormous amount of water and the salt pulls it out before it lands in your bowl. Don't salt the strawberries; they'll go soft and they release plenty on their own, which is why this gets dressed right before it goes on the table. Otherwise, you'll have something beautiful for about fifteen minutes and then a bowl of pink liquid.
XO, Indie
PS fellow gardeners please DM me with any fun must try recipes...I have way too many tomatoes and cukes this year.
