How do you keep cucumbers fresh so they stay crunchy longer?

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

In the summer, at the height of the season, when the crop is harvested from the plot regularly, summer residents usually do not think about how to save it. After all, all vegetables are consumed immediately, not particularly stale. Agree that it is much more pleasant to eat a tomato or cucumber directly from the garden than from the store. In addition, many housewives try to immediately turn the surplus of grown raw materials into homemade pickles and all kinds of canned dishes. Therefore, the question of how to feast on natural vegetables from the beds for a longer time “pops up” after the last fruits have been harvested. How to keep cucumbers fresh for a long time? What to choose the temperature, humidity and container for packaging? You will find answers to these and other questions in the article.

How to store fresh cucumbers to preserve their presentation?

We will talk about the timing, norms of temperature and humidity. It is these standards that are adhered to when storingcucumbers at vegetable bases, warehouses and supermarkets. How to keep cucumbers fresh, choosing the most appropriate option? I would like to immediately note the duration of the guaranteed shelf life, after which, even with excellent external characteristics, the taste properties of the vegetable will begin to change. Usually it is no more than three days from the moment of plucking from the garden. At the same time, the temperature in the room should not be higher than +12…+15 °C, and humidity - 90-92%. Provided that there is a colder room, you can greatly increase the shelf life. So, chilled fruits up to +6…+8 °С, folded in plastic, cardboard or wooden containers, can remain fresh for up to 7-10 days. In this case, it is necessary to provide vegetables with darkness and good air circulation. The recommendations given on how to keep cucumbers fresh are more suitable for large quantities collected, for example, for sale. At the same time, warehouses are usually equipped with air-cooling split systems and good ventilation.

How to keep cucumbers fresh at home?

Is it possible to surprise guests by serving a crispy vegetable, for example, a week or two after the end of the summer season? How to preserve the properties of a green cucumber at home? Every smart hostess, for sure, has her own time-tested secrets. But the basic principles will be to observe a cool and humid environment. We list the main options for how and where to store fresh cucumbers.

1. 

   The first thing that usually comes to mind is a plastic bag. Place cucumbers in it and tie tightly in a knot or drag it with a string. Fruits should not be pre-washed. Put a plastic bag on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, and you can “forget” about them for 7-10 days. If a bulkier mass is collected, pack it using several bags and lower it into the cellar.

2. Similar to the previous option is the use of plastic containers or glass jars with lids. Sealed, cold air will keep the crispy properties of cucumbers up to 10 days. Inspect periodically to remove damaged fruit.
3. You can also wrap the vegetable in a damp cloth or paper. At a temperature of +3…+7 °С, the fruits will remain fresh for up to 7 days.

With further storage, cucumbers begin to lose their density, becoming soft, and the taste will not be the same. Maybe switch to s alty ones more in line with the fall season?