How To Store Cucumbers So They Stay Fresh

How to Prep Cucumbers for Storage

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Federal health officials estimate that nearly 48 million people are sickened by food contaminated with harmful germs each year. In addition to washing your own hands to remove potential germs and bacteria before handling produce, here are some useful tips for washing your cucumbers once you bring them home to prolong their freshness.

• Gently rub the cucumber while holding it under plain, cool running tap water. The FDA shares there’s no need to use soap or a produce wash. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers.
• Even if you are using the cucumber right away or the same day, still be sure to rinse it with cool water before peeling. This helps ensure dirt and bacteria aren’t transferred from the knife onto the flesh of the cucumber.
• After washing, be sure to completely dry the cucumbers with paper towels or an absorbent, clean kitchen towel before storing them. If they are stored wet, the excess moisture may cause them to become slimy and spoil quickly.

How to Store Cucumbers in the Refrigerator

While cucumbers are firm and solid, they aren’t actually the most hardy piece of produce to store. They’re quite perishable and delicate, so they require specific needs to maintain their freshness. By applying these tips and methods, your cucumbers will generally last for up to 5-6 days in the fridge.

• Wrap your cucumbers up. Cucumbers, once full dry, should be wrapped in dry paper towels or a dry, clean tea towel.
• Cucumbers must be stored in the refrigerator if not being used immediately. However, while they do need refrigeration, do not store cucumbers in extremely low chill temperatures. Rather, place them in the warmest area of the refrigerator, which is usually near the front or on the door. If they freeze in a low temperature spot, they will deteriorate, turn gelatinous and heavy with water, and rot from within.
• Once you store them in the refrigerator, they need to live there until ready for use. Once cold, cucumbers will sweat. If they sweat profusely, they can become soft and soggy.

Can You Store Cucumbers on the Counter?

As mentioned previously, cucumbers should be stored in the fridge to prolong their life. If you need to store them for a short time on the counter, place them in a cool, dry place that’s away from direct sunlight. Excess moisture can accelerate spoilage so place the cucumbers on a paper towel or keep them in a breathable container.