Cool Cucumber Splash

Join Rusty as he explores the Hmong culture in St. Paul, Minnesota and learns to make Cool Cucumber Splash.

Two glasses of cucumber water with two slices of cucumbers lying in front of the glasses.

Print recipe packet

Ingredients

1 large cucumber
2 cups water
2 teaspoons sugar
Ice (optional)

Equipment

Large bowl
Sharp knife (for adult)
Cutting board
Spoon
Mixing spoon
Measuring spoons

Tips:

In the summer, look for Hmong cucumbers at a Farmer's Market. Hmong cucumbers are larger than those you buy at the grocery store.
Cucumber water is best when it is cold and has had time to sit for a bit before drinking.

Look and cook recipe

A cucumber cut in half on a white cutting board.

Step 1

Rinse the cucumbers and pat dry. Cut the cucumbers in half.

A spoon being used to scrape the seeds out of a cucumber into a glass bowl.

Step 2

Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. The seeds can be thrown away.

A spoon being used to scrape the flesh out of a cucumber into a glass bowl.

Step 3

Use a spoon to scrape the inside (flesh) of the cucumber into a bowl.

Water being added to a bowl of sliced cucumbers.

Step 4

Add water and sugar. Stir.

Spooning ice cubes out of a bowl of cucumber water.

Step 5

Optional: Add ice cubes and stir.

Remove ice before drinking, as ice cubes are choking hazards for young children.

Two glasses of cucumber water with two slices of cucumber lying in front of the glasses.

Step 6

Enjoy drinking the cucumber water and eating the cucumber pieces with a spoon. Or pour the cucumber water over rice and eat.

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Recipe video

For caregivers and curious kids

Fun facts

Map of Minnesota with Ramsey County highlighted.

St. Paul is a city located in Ramsey County on the eastern part of Minnesota.

Some families in St. Paul have a Hmong heritage.

There are different Hmong clothing styles. Traditionally, each clothing style represents the clan or region that the family is from and is worn on special occasions. Hmong also embroider beautiful story cloths called “Paj Ntaub” that tell their story of migrating from Laos to Thailand and finally the United States.

Three pieces of boiled chicken on a plate with a sauce in a small serving bowl.

Traditional Hmong foods include white rice, boiled chicken, stir-fried vegetables, boiled greens (squash) and a spicy dipping sauce. These dishes are often enjoyed together as a family meal.

Front of the Hmong Marketplace building.

The Hmong Town Marketplace in St. Paul is a fun place to visit. The market sells Hmong goods (clothing, kitchen tools, jewelry, hot deli area for food, Hmong ABC book store, traditional Hmong tools, etc). During the summer, they also have an outdoor farmer’s market.

Photo credit: Hmong Town Marketplace

Table talk

What does the cucumber water look like? How does it smell? How does it taste?
What other foods could you add to the cucumber water?
What is something you can do for someone today or tomorrow?

Feeding young children

Kids need water, especially when they are active and playing. Here are a few tips to encourage your child to drink water:

Offer water often: Give your child water between meals and snacks.
Be a role model: Let your child see you drinking water.
Keep it handy: Bring a child-sized cup or water bottle when you're on the go.

Connecting with nature

Adopt a Tree activity

This activity helps preschoolers explore the lifecycle of a tree in nature:

Take your child outside to a park, backyard, or any natural area.
Choose one specific tree to “adopt.”
Notice the tree over time, give it a name, water it, notice what animals live in or near it, decorate it for holidays, and imagine its life history.

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