A perfect cucumber is crisp and refreshing, zipping up salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and co*cktails. But if stored improperly, this vegetable loses its cool, becoming mushy and inedible. To keep cucumbers as firm and fresh as the day you bought them (or picked them!), they should be stored with optimal airflow and limited exposure to moisture in mind. Most of the time that means putting cucumbers in the refrigerator—but depending on when you plan to eat them, you might get away with leaving them out on the counter. Ahead, we spoke to experts for tips on how to hold onto that crunch factor for as long as possible.
- Olivia Roszkowski, chef-instructor of Plant-Based Culinary Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education's New York City campus
- Hiranth Jayasinghe, executive chef, COO, and partner at Plant Junkie, a vegan quick-service restaurant in New York
- Carla L. Schwan, Ph.D., assistant professor and extension food safety specialist director at theNational Center for Home Food Preservation
The Right Way to Store Celery So It Stays Fresh and Crisp
How to Store Cucumbers
While cucumbers need humidity, they shouldn't be wet. Here is what to keep in mind.
In the Refrigerator
The refrigerator is the best place to store cucumbers and keep them fresh for longer—but you should take a few other steps to keep them from expiring too quickly. "They are delicate in the sense that you want them to retain their moisture and not dry out, but not get soggy and soft either," says Hiranth Jayasinghe, executive chef at the vegan fast-casual restaurant, Plant Junkie. Cucumbers are very susceptible to temperature changes, he adds, so they should be stored on the top shelf (the warmer part) of the fridge near the fan for continuous airflow.
When to Wrap
To remove surplus moisture, Olivia Roszkowski, chef-instructor of plant-based culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education, suggests wrapping the cucumbers in either a cloth or paper towel before placing them in a plastic bag. To prevent too much condensation, choose an airtight bag, and don't overstuff the bag with cucumbers.
- Absorbent Produce Pads: These are another option and can prolong a cucumber's storage life for several days. "You can place a fresh absorbent pad in an airtight Tupperware container and arrange your dry cucumbers in a single layer inside," says Roszkowski.
- The Original Packaging: Keeping them in their package is viable for the smaller Persian variety, which comes wrapped in a cardboard pulp tray. "It is engineered to be airtight from the plastic to keep in moisture but slightly permeable from the cardboard," she says.
Spoon Trick
If you constantly open and close your refrigerator, consider this cucumber-saving tactic from Jayasinghe. "An additional trick I have picked up is to put a metal spoon in the plastic bag with the cucumbers," he says. "Presumably, it helps prevent temperature fluctuations from affecting the cucumber."
On the Counter
While it's safe to store cucumbers on the counter in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, this method cuts the cucumber's lifespan to two days. "It's best to place them in a breathable bag or wrap them loosely in a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture," says Carla L. Schwan, Ph.D., assistant professor and extension food safety specialist director at theNational Center for Home Food Preservation. "Excess moisture contributes to spoilage when cucumbers are stored on the counter."
Storing Sliced Cucumbers
If you only used half a cucumber or pre-cut it into slices, store the leftovers in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge, placing a paper towel inside to absorb extra moisture. Consume the cut cucumber within one to two days.
Freezing Cucumbers
While you can freeze cucumbers, it can be tricky. "Cucumbers have a high water content (about 90 percent)," says Schwan. "The water inside the cells freezes and forms large ice crystals that can damage the cell walls. When the frozen food thaws, the water is released, causing the cells to collapse—resulting in a soggy texture."
How Long Cucumbers Last
Generally, cucumbers last at least four to seven days in the refrigerator, but factors like the type of cucumber, how fresh it was when you bought it, and how you store it will impact its shelf life. "All cucumbers can be stored in the same way, but thick-skinned cucumbers tend to have a longer 'shelf life' as they are better equipped at retaining moisture," says Roszkowski. The thick skin provides an extra layer of protection, says Jayasinghe. Here's how some other common varieties compare:
- English Cucumbers: These usually come wrapped in a tight plastic wrap, which lengthens their storage time—as long as they do not get too cold in the fridge. "English cucumbers strike a good balance with a medium skin, lighter delicate flavors, and fewer seeds," says Jayasinghe.
- Kirby Cucumbers: Another hardy variety, Kirby cucumbers come with an edible, less permeable skin. "Kirby cucumbers tend to be a seasonal, more local product, and are likely to travel less distances, which extends the consumer's storage window since they most likely have not been on a refrigerated truck for a number of days," says Roszkowski.
- Persian Cucumbers: These are thin-skinned and smaller in size. "They tend to be firmer and contain less water content and will survive longer when stored in your fridge for that very reason," says Roszkowski.
Signs of Spoilage
You'll be able to feel cucumber spoilage before you see it; if cucumber sits for too long, it loses its characteristic crispness and becomes soft to the touch. "Both moisture and moisture build-up can contribute to cucumber spoilage," says Roszkowski. "If there is too much moisture, there is a good chance of spoilage-causing bacteria multiplying as this is the criteria they require to grow."
While you may be able to salvage parts that aren't squishy, the cucumber's sweetness may be replaced by bitterness. That flavor could work for marinated cucumbers, but salads and crudités are off the table. And once mold strikes, it's compost time.
