The cool crunch of cucumber in our salads is the track of summer time. But, regardless of the numerous salads we eat, we generally can't appear to make use of up as lots of our backyard cukes as we'd like. That leaves us with one other conundrum: find out how to retailer cucumbers in order that they keep recent. The cucumber is a tough vegetable to retailer, however we'll let you know the easiest way to do it so your cukes preserve their crunch.
lower and entire uncooked cucumbers on a piece floor
How Lengthy Do Cucumbers Final?
When saved correctly, cucumbers can last as long as one week within the fridge. This timeframe is relevant to each entire cucumbers and sliced cucumbers. For those who're on the lookout for a long-term storage resolution, you could possibly strive freezing cucumbers.
The best way to Retailer Complete Cucumbers
- Wash cucumbers and dry them completely.
- Place cucumbers within the warmest spot of your fridge That is normally close to the entrance of your fridge, or on the door.
The best way to Retailer Lower Cucumbers
For those who sliced your cucumbers and aren't able to eat them but, right here's find out how to retailer them:
- Place cucumber slices in a container with a lid.
- Fill the container with water and retailer within the fridge.
This technique works rather well—the chilly cucumbers preserve their crunch as they're shielded from the dry air within the fridge.
Pictured recipe: Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil French dressing
The best way to Freeze Cucumbers
Whether or not it's a complete cucumber or cucumber slices, learn to freeze cucumbers. Freezing cucumbers is handy, however remember the fact that it's not excellent for each recipe. Whereas a recent cucumber is crisp in texture, a frozen one will flip mushy. You'll wish to skip utilizing a frozen cucumber in a salad or sandwich, however you possibly can stick them in a blender and puree them to make use of in a smoothie or in gazpacho. Or, you possibly can pressure the cucumbers to separate the pulp from the liquid to make cucumber water. The liquid does have a really robust taste, so that you'll have so as to add water if you need a extra mellow style.
Debunking Widespread Methods to Retailer Cucumbers
Widespread Apply #1: Kitchen Counter
One frequent false impression is that cucumbers do greatest saved on the counter at room temperature. Whereas a recent cuke can maintain its personal at room temp for a short time, it's most likely not going to yield the outcomes you anticipate should you don't get to it in a day or two. Whereas it's true that cucumbers can expertise "chilling harm" at temperatures under 50℉ (pitting, softening, and so forth.), cucumbers do should be refrigerated. To keep away from "chilling harm," preserve cucumbers within the warmest a part of the fridge, away from the cooling components and towards the entrance.
Cucumber with Basil, Yogurt, Walnuts & Browned Butter (Yanik Tereyagli Cacik)
Pictured recipe: Cucumber with Basil, Yogurt, Walnuts & Browned Butter (Yanik Tereyagli Cacik)
Widespread Apply #2: Wrapped in a Paper Towel and Refrigerated
This technique entails wrapping clear cucumbers in paper towels, putting them in a zip-top plastic bag or plastic wrap and storing them within the fridge. This observe doesn't damage the cucumbers, however it’s pointless. An unwrapped cucumber and a wrapped cucumber each keep equally crisp within the fridge for about 6 days earlier than they start to melt.
A Longer-Time period Storage Resolution
For those who're on the lookout for long-term storage options, contemplate pickling your cucumbers! If that seems like a frightening mission, know that you simply don't must decide to the entire canning course of. Take a look at our information on The best way to Pickle Something (no canning required!) so you possibly can take pleasure in your backyard cucumbers for as much as a month—or longer should you protect them.
