Cucumbers are a popular food item, especially in summer, but keeping them fresh can be tricky. A simple storage tip from a HelloFresh expert reveals which fridge area to avoid to stop them going soft.
Where to store cucumbers in the fridge
The fridge might seem like a one-size-fits-all solution, but where you stash things inside it can seriously affect how long they stay fresh. Different areas sit at slightly different temperatures and humidity levels, which can speed up spoilage for some foods and help others last longer.
And cucumbers are no exception. Put them in the wrong spot and they can quickly turn soft, watery and sad-looking – but store them in the right place and you’re far more likely to keep them crisp for longer.
Mimi Morley, Senior Recipe Developer at HelloFresh, shared her thoughts on the matter. She said: "Avoid placing cucumbers in cold areas of your fridge, like the back. Thanks to their high moisture content, cucumbers are susceptible to chilling injury and don't last as long in extremely cold temperatures."
Tips for keeping cucumbers fresh
Refrigeration is the best option for storing cucumbers, ideally in the warmest section of the fridge, such as the door or the crisper drawer.
In addition, some experts recommend wrapping the salad staples in a paper towel. This helps them retain moisture and prevents them from turning mushy.
It is also advisable to avoid storing cucumbers alongside ethylene-producing fruits such as bananas or tomatoes, as this can accelerate decay. Ethylene gas acts as a ripening agent and can cause cucumbers to soften and deteriorate more rapidly.
When stored correctly, cucumbers are thought to remain fresh for up to a week. Nevertheless, you should check them regularly for any signs of spoilage.
How to know when cucumbers have gone off
Keep a close eye on the veg each day, looking out for any mushiness, sliminess or discolouration, and dispose of any that have gone bad.
If it smells neutral and looks normal inside, it’s often more of a freshness/texture issue than a safety one – but if you’re in any doubt, bin it.
Eating a spoiled cucumber could lead to stomach upset/food poisoning (nausea, cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea). Plus, people who are pregnant, elderly, very young, or immunocompromised should be extra cautious about how fresh their food is.
Ways to use up cucumbers that are about to expire
If you're looking for inspiration to use up your cucumbers without causing food waste, try the following ideas:
- Quick pickles: slice, cover with vinegar + water + salt + sugar (optional dill/garlic); fridge for a few hours.
- Cucumber salad: toss with yoghurt or sour cream, lemon/vinegar, salt, pepper, dill/mint.
- Tzatziki/raita: grate, squeeze out water, mix into yoghurt with garlic (tzatziki) or cumin (raita).
- Infused water: cucumber + mint/lemon; uses up odds and ends.
- Smoothies: blend with apple/kiwi/spinach/ginger and a squeeze of lime.
