You've Been Storing Cucumbers Wrong Your Entire Life
Cucumbers that turn slimy after just a few days in the fridge is an annoying and all-too-common problem. We’re often shopping before we know exactly what we want to make, and come lunchtime, when we finally want to use that forgotten little green veg, it can feel devastating when what’s staring back at you from the crisper drawer is sad and soggy. Which is what led us to test nine (!) different methods for storing cucumbers.
Spoiler: Exactly how you store your cucumber makes a huge difference. Luckily, we found the best way to keep them fresh for more than two weeks. Let’s dive into the details of this game-changing technique.
What’s the Best Way to Store Cucumbers?
This tried-and-tested storage idea involves wrapping each cucumber individually in a paper towel, sealing them in a zip-top bag, and placing them on a fridge shelf. It’s simple, effective, and received a perfect 10/10 rating in our tests.
We tested four types of cucumbers: a traditional thick-skinned cucumber, an English cucumber, a Persian cucumber, and a pickling cucumber.
After eight days, there was some condensation forming inside the bag, but the cucumbers were in good condition. Fast forward to day 15 and a couple of cucumbers, specifically the traditional and pickling varieties, showed signs of soft spots at their ends. Surprisingly, the English and Persian cucumbers were still holding strong and remained crisp. By day 16, the traditional and pickling cucumbers had reached their limit, with soft spots and slimy texture. Yet the English and Persian cucumbers defied the odds and maintained their freshness for an impressive 19 days total!
Why This Method Works
So what’s the secret behind this method? It all comes down to moisture management. The paper towels act as moisture absorbers, preventing the cucumbers from becoming overly damp and slimy. Meanwhile, the sealed zip-top bag provides an extra layer of protection against moisture loss, prolonging the cucumbers’ shelf life significantly.
By wrapping your cucumbers in paper towels, sealing them in a zip-top bag, and storing them on a shelf in the fridge, you’ll enjoy crisp, fresh cucumbers for days on end.
