Cucumbers can stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week if stored correctly, and experts say the key is to avoid placing them in the coldest areas of the fridge.
Where to Store Cucumbers
While it may seem natural to put cucumbers at the back of the fridge, this is actually a mistake. Mimi Morley, Senior Recipe Developer at HelloFresh, warned: "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."
Instead, the warmest section of the fridge, such as the door or the crisper drawer, is the best spot. Refrigeration remains the recommended option, but position matters.
Additional Tips for Freshness
Some experts also suggest wrapping cucumbers in kitchen roll to help retain moisture and prevent them from becoming mushy. It is also advisable to keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits like bananas and tomatoes, as ethylene gas accelerates ripening and spoilage.
When stored correctly, cucumbers can remain fresh for up to a week. However, they should be checked regularly for signs of spoilage, such as mushiness, sliminess, or discolouration, and any that have gone off should be thrown away.
