Foods we might expect to quench our thirst – such as ice cream or chilled water – are less effective, says Sara Risch, a researcher for the society. In Oscar Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest, Algernon Moncrieff prepares stacks of them for Lady Bracknell’s visit. There’s tuna and cucumber; egg and cucumber; even an American spread called “Benedictine”, made from puréed cucumbers and cream cheese. I've always wondered about "real" cucumber sandwiches. So it’s no surprise that the cucumber sandwich has been named the world’s coolest food. the days comments. My hometown use to have a tea room where you could go and have high tea at. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. Why such reckless extravagance in one so young?” asks a bemused Jack Worthing. But we weren’t always so fond of cucumbers. Thank you for sharing the history of the history of the cucumber sandwich. Just run a fork over the sides, slightly puncturing the skin. Cucumbers may be a good source of some vitamins (K, A, C, Potassium, and others), but they are 95% water and contain no protein. Mugs, not china. Well, for starters, cucumbers weren't accessible all through the year unless one had access to hothouse produce. They were served to royal guests at Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887 and as lunch to first-class passengers on Indian Airlines flights. Cucumber Sandwiches – the Dos and Don'ts This cucumber sandwich with cream cheese recipe started out as a bit of fun, but we soon realised that cucumber sandwiches are a pretty serious recipe. But the recipe for a perfect cucumber sandwich is the subject of much debate. These little sandwiches have earned that right. There are now many variations on the original sandwich. What made the cucumber sandwich a "high class" food? In Edwardian times, plentiful coal and cheap labour meant that cucumbers, grown under glass covers, could be produced in England all year round, not just during the summer. Cucumber sandwiches look yummy, but are they flavorful. Cucumber sandwiches are also eaten as a cold snack at luncheons and gatherings, served with cool lemonade or mint tea. As the domestic industry grew, the sandwiches became a staple of high tea, and news of their refreshing qualities reached colonialists in India, Africa and Australia. Sometimes during the 1300s, cucumbers made their way to Britain, and at some point during the Victorian era, someone thought to put them into a sandwich and served it at tea time. All winners have one week to claim their prize. Thin slices of bread, buttered, topped with thin slices of cucumber, a squirt of lemon juice, and a dash of salt, with the crusts removed and cut into little triangles. Score the sides of the cucumber with a fork. They like them the British way: juicy portions of cucumber, gently dried of excess water, sprinkled with salt and a dash of lemon juice, and served between two triangular slices of lightly buttered white bread. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. These refreshing, decadent nibbles go perfectly with tea, something the British have known for a few hundred years. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Sadly, there isn't one where I live, so I enjoy finding tea houses when I'm traveling. The perfect cucumber sandwiches (Makes 9) 1/2 cucumber, … It's been on my to-do list forever, but I live on the opposite coast! I like the tasty cucumber sandwiches and have eaten a variety of them. Another traditional English cucumber tea sandwich can be made by preparing cucumber-mint tea sandwiches as open-faced round sandwiches spread with mint herbed butter and topped with fresh mint. Remove crusts once the sandwiches are assembled and cut each sandwich into four triangles. I think the key to a tasty cucumber sandwich is using the ingredients you enjoy most, Anita Mae! Rebecca, I would love to go to Williamsburg. When cool, add cucumber and onion, then set in moulds. So what makes the cucumber sandwich so special? Lords, ladies, dukes and duchesses and … But they still remain a bit of a decadent treat! No one under 18 can enter our giveaways. Theme images by. Yes, I enjoy tea parties and have attended several. And the real reason it’s so refreshing? Lauri Patterson/E+/Getty Images. They were served at Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887, became associated with the Raj of India in the late 1800's, and were even referenced in Oscar Wilde's play. After all, the true English cucumber sandwich is pretty simple. Thanks for sharing. I am not a tea drinker, so I doubt that I will ever attend one in person. Americans prefer cream cheese as a base instead of butter, and I add dill weed to mine. Little wonder these dainty, luxurious sandwiches became attached to the upper classes. USA shipping only. I think cucumber sandwiches have a delicate flavor, but one reason I add dill to mine is because I like that flavor. To drink, a steaming pot of freshly brewed Darjeeling tea. Marilyn, that's wonderful that your hometown had a tea room! And it works even better washed down with a cup of tea. Within the holoprogram Janeway Lambda one, Henry Burleigh appreciated cucumber sandwiches with his tea, but his sister Beatrice did not as she didn't like the way Cook cut them. Well, in relative terms anyway. A bit of green fruit coloring adds much tot the attractiveness. Thanks for coming by. Tea parties aren't for everyone, that's for sure. Juicy fruit and vegetables, by contrast – like cucumber, watermelon and celery – have a high water content and natural cooling properties. Delve between the bread slices to find out the history of sandwiches on Kidzworld!