Storing cucumbers with a paper towel can keep them fresh for up to three weeks, according to food storage expert Amy Cross. The simple method involves removing the plastic wrap and placing the cucumber in a glass container lined with a clean paper towel.
Why Cucumbers Turn Slimy
Cucumbers spoil quickly in the UK because most supermarkets wrap them in plastic to protect them during transport. However, plastic traps moisture, and in a humid fridge, condensation accumulates around the cucumber. This excess moisture encourages bacteria, mould, and rotting, leaving a mushy vegetable.
Cucumbers have a high water content, and after harvest, moisture migrates to the surface, causing them to leak. In plastic packaging, this water has nowhere to escape and settles on the skin, leading to sogginess within days and rapid growth of harmful germs.
The Paper Towel Solution
Amy Cross, founder of The Cross Legacy and a cook known for her food storage methods, recommends a straightforward fix: "Place [cucumbers] in a glass container with a clean paper towel at the bottom. They will stay fresh for 2 to 3 weeks."
Paper towels absorb excess moisture, keeping the cucumber dry and fresh for weeks instead of days. This method is strongly recommended for maintaining a dry storage environment.
Proper Storage Steps
To store cucumbers properly, start by washing them in a large bowl of cool water with a few tablespoons of white vinegar. The vinegar is mildly antibacterial and eliminates mould spores and pathogens on the skin. Soak for two minutes, then dry completely on a tea towel.
Place the cucumbers in a glass container lined with a paper towel, and keep them in the crisper drawer of the fridge. Replace the paper towel promptly if it becomes damp. This method should keep cucumbers crisp for weeks, allowing for refreshing salads and sandwiches throughout the summer.
