What are the most hydrating foods?

Yes, certain foods contain a lot of water, and we’re rounding them up. They are:

• Cucumbers
• Radishes
• Celery
• Asparagus
• Iceberg Lettuce
• Watermelon
• Tomatoes

What’s the best way to eat these hydrating foods? Anwers this way...

Cucumber

Technically a fruit (because of the seeds), cucumbers are known for their crunchy texture and delicate, clean flavour. They are rich in antioxidants, contain anti-cancer compounds called cucurbitacins and also plant sterols that help reduce LDL cholesterol.

Water percentage - 96%

Best way to eat cucumbers

Cucumbers are the perfect salad ingredient – their subtle flavour pairs well with just about any other vegetable, their texture provides a welcome crunch, and as a low-calorie food they are ideal for light, healthy meals.

Top tip!

Slice up a cucumber, then spread a thin layer of cream cheese and a sprinkle of chopped dill over each piece – voila, a quick and refreshing snack for a hot summer’s day!

Radishes

This pink root vegetable has a peppery kick and contains both immune-boosting Vitamin C and a good amount of fibre, meaning it’s great for your digestive system.

Water percentage - 95%

Best way to eat radishes

Whilst radishes are at their most hydrating raw, they are especially delicious roasted – simply chop up and toss in olive oil and herbs before roasting till crispy. They’ll make a nice flavour contrast to a joint of meat.

Top tip!

When making coleslaw, add in grated radishes alongside your shredded cabbage before mixing with the mayo and other ‘wet’ ingredients. It will give the slaw a brighter and tangier flavour.

Celerey

Although most known for their crunchy green stalks, you can also eat celery leaves and seeds – though it is the stalk that contains the most water and what makes it taste so refreshing. Celery also contains vitamins K, A, and C, potassium, and folate.

Water percentage - 95%

Best way to eat celery

It’s hard to beat ‘ants on a log’, the healthy snack made by spreading peanut butter into the hollow of a celery stalk and studding it with raisins. Not only is it a medley of flavour, but it’s bursting with protein too.

Top tip!

Take the ants of a log principle and experiment! Stuff the celery hollow with coleslaw, or shredded chicken or hummus.

Allergy alert!

Celery is one of the 14 major food allergens.

Asparagus

A stem vegetable, cultivated for its young, fragrant green shoots, asparagus is low in sodium and fat, and has a high nutrient to calorie ratio, as well as containing vitamins like A, C and K.

Water percentage - 92%

Best way to eat asparagus

The water content of asparagus is the same whether it’s cooked or raw, and it tastes particularly delicious sauteed with butter in a pan with parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top to caramelise.

Top tip!

The ends of asparagus are tougher and woodier than the rest of the stem and so the overall flavour and texture is improved by removing them.

Iceberg Lettuce

Renowned for its crispiness and natural sweetness, iceberg lettuce is the variety most used for dishes like salad. Though not the most nutrient dense lettuce, it is the one that contains the most water.

Water percentage - 96%

Best way to eat iceberg lettuce

Whilst an iceberg lettuce leaf it adds amazing crunch to a burger, it’s hard to get much hydration from a single piece. Much better is to braise the lettuce in vegetable stock and a little butter – a moreish side dish!

Top tip!

To ensure your iceberg lettuce never goes soggy, wrap it in damp paper towels and place in a loosely sealed freezer bag.

Watermelon

Sweet and juicy watermelon has long been the go-to fruit for hot summer days, but as this fruit’s red colour suggests, it is also rich in the potent antioxidant lycopene, as well as vitamin C, vitamin A, and amino acids.

Water percentage - 92%

Best way to eat watermelon

Watermelon is best served fresh, in large triangular slices with a simple sprinkle of salt.

Top tip!

Add a light sprinkle of chilli flakes or chilli powder to your watermelon slice in addition to salt, it’ll really make the flavours pop!

Tomatoes

As we all know by now, tomatoes are a fruit, and one absolutely packed with antioxidants, notably lycopene, which protects the body’s cells. Large, heirloom variety tomatoes contain the most water.

Water percentage - 95%

Best way to eat tomatoes

Stuffed tomatoes are a great dish, but scooping them out removes much of the hydrating fruit flesh. Instead roast them in olive oil with crushed garlic and a sprinkle of rosemary or basil. Then they can be added to salads, sandwiches, omelettes or pasta.

Top tip!

Turn your tomatoes into gazpacho, a cold type of soup. By combining the tomatoes with other watery ingreidents like broth, you’ll have an extra hydrating dish!