Carbs in cucumbers
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Carbohydrate Content in Cucumbers
Carbohydrate Composition in Cucumber Fruit
Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) are primarily composed of water, but they also contain a notable amount of carbohydrates. The carbohydrate content in cucumbers is approximately 2.7% per 100 grams of the edible portion8. The primary carbohydrates present in cucumbers are glucose and fructose, with concentrations ranging from 8.6 to 10.3 milligrams per gram of fresh weight, respectively. Sucrose is present in much lower concentrations, around 0.3 milligrams per gram of fresh weight1.
Carbohydrate Distribution in Different Tissues
The distribution of carbohydrates varies within different parts of the cucumber fruit. In the mesocarp and endocarp tissues, glucose and fructose are the predominant sugars, while sucrose is found in minimal amounts1. Interestingly, the seeds of cucumbers show a different carbohydrate profile during maturation. Initially, glucose and fructose levels are high, but as the seeds mature, sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose accumulate1.
Changes During Fruit Development
During the development of cucumber fruit, the levels of carbohydrates and their metabolic enzymes undergo significant changes. In the early stages of fruit development, starch levels are higher but decline as the fruit matures. The primary sugars that accumulate in the mesocarp tissues are glucose and fructose, rather than sucrose or stachyose7. This is due to the higher activity of sucrose-degrading enzymes compared to sucrose-synthesizing enzymes in these tissues7.
Impact of External Factors
External factors such as the application of nanoparticles can also influence the carbohydrate content in cucumbers. For instance, the application of CeO2 and ZnO nanoparticles has been shown to alter the carbohydrate pattern in cucumber fruits. While ZnO nanoparticles did not affect sugar content, CeO2 nanoparticles impacted non-reducing sugar content, specifically sucrose5.
Conclusion
Cucumbers contain a modest amount of carbohydrates, primarily in the form of glucose and fructose, with sucrose present in smaller quantities. The distribution and levels of these carbohydrates can vary significantly depending on the tissue type and stage of fruit development. External factors, such as nanoparticle application, can also influence the carbohydrate composition. Understanding these variations is crucial for optimizing the nutritional value and cultivation practices of cucumbers.
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