Cucumbers are a summer time staple and can be consumed in countless of refreshing ways – from sandwiches to drinks.
However, many of us are still making a key mistake when storing them that leads to “accelerated decay”.
In order to keep this noble fruit fresh for longer, there are simple storage methods to be followed.
Cucumbers should be stored at room temperature rather than in the fridge, according to a post on Root Simple.
They reference the University of California, Davis, which found that cucumbers are sensitive to temperatures below 10°C.
At room temperature, cucumbers remain fresh for longer, whereas storing them below 10°C can cause “chilling injuries”, such as water-soaked spots, pitting, and faster decay.
If you must refrigerate cucumbers, limit it to a maximum of three days and consume them as soon as possible.
Place them near the front of the shelf, where it is warmer, and avoid the bottom shelf, which is typically the coldest part of the fridge.
Cucumbers are also highly sensitive to ethylene, a natural gas that accelerates ripening and spoilage.
Therefore, make sure you keep cucumbers on the counter and separate from high ethylene producers like bananas, tomatoes, and melons.
But even when using this method, cucumbers can sometimes lose their crunch and become disappointingly limp.
Luckily, a kitchen hack effectively revitalises their texture and restores their crunchiness with a straightforward solution using solely water.
All you have to do is fill a large bowl or sink with cold water. For extra chill, add ice cubes to the water to lower its temperature further, as the cold temperature is essential for firming up the cucumber’s flesh and revitalising its texture.
Then, place the soft cucumbers gently into the cold water bath, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Allow them to soak for at least 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of their softness, and then consume them right away.
