How to Store Cucumbers—Including Tips on How to Freeze Them
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While cucumbers are available all-year-round, the best time to enjoy them are during the summer months. It's so fun to grow different varieties in your veggie garden so you can pickle them, use them in different dishes, or slice them up for an easy snack. When they're in peak season, cucumbers are a bit fresher and tastier, and are essential in crisp summer salads, crudité spreads, and even in satisfying smoothies.
If you've ever noticed your cucumbers expire just days after bringing them home from the market, it could be due to how they're stored. Many store-bought cucumbers have a waxy layer that allows them to have a longer shelf life. If you're growing your own cukes, you should try to enjoy them within two to three days after picking them.
How To Store Cucumbers
Most people toss cucumbers into the crisper drawer of their refrigerator, which isn't the worst option, but there's a simple trick that will keep them fresher for longer. Wrap the whole cucumber in plastic wrap and then store it in an airtight container. The plastic wrap acts as a shield and locks in moisture, which prevents the cukes from ripening and becoming mushy. After trying this method, you'll be pleasantly surprised to see that your cucumbers are still crispy and crunchy up to a week later.
How To Store Cucumber Slices
If you're pre-slicing cucumbers for a convenient snack throughout the week, do not put them in a plastic bag unless you plan on eating them within the same day. Instead, wrap them in a damp paper towel and then store them in an airtight container for up to five days. Locking in the moisture is key to keeping the cucumber slices fresh for as long as possible.
Can You Freeze Cucumbers?
Because of their high-water content, cucumbers can easily be stored in the freezer and enjoyed throughout the year. It's always a good idea to slice them beforehand, but it's up to you whether you'd like to peel them or not.
Once sliced, spread the cucumber rounds out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for two to three hours. Then, store them in a freezer-friendly container in your freezer, making sure to leave a little room at the top in case they expand while frozen.
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When you're ready to defrost your cucumbers, let them thaw for three to four hours. After that point, they'll be ready to use. If you have a bounty of freshly grown cucumbers from your garden, freezing them at the end of the season is a great idea because they last for about 8 to 12 months in the freezer. While frozen and defrosted cucumbers won't have quite the same crunch as fresh ones, they still taste great in smoothies and soups.