Last year at Thanksgiving I made this killer veggie tray, but after the first bite a cucumber, they were super bitter and nasty. I did some research to not make the same mistake this year. Here is what to know!
To ensure you get the most out of your cucumbers, it’s important to know what you’re looking for in each fresh veggie. Here are a list of dos and don'ts to be mindful of when shopping for cucumbers:
- The color of cucumbers should be medium to dark green.
- Cucumbers should be firm without soft spots, bruised flesh, or wrinkles.
- There should be no blemishes, white mold, or yellow spots, as this may indicate rotting, or that the cucumber is overly ripe and on the verge of rotting.
- A fresh cucumber will be fairly odorless. If it is giving off odors, it may be overly ripe.
- Cucumbers should not feel puffy or heavy as though they are full of water.
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.