Cucumbers will be fresh for up to a week when kept in the fridge next to this one kitchen utensil, and by not mixing them with other fruits and vegetables when storing them.
Keeping your groceries fresh for as long as possible can sometimes be a nightmare, especially when you don’t know what are the best ways to extend their shelf life. But don’t worry, food experts have shared some tips and tricks on how to make cucumbers last for a week, The Express reported.
Cucumbers are one of the most popular fruits, and so versatile that they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. From salads, to sandwiches and even pasta and soups, it’s a light ingredient that pairs well, adding an extra refreshing taste.
Nonetheless, the fruit is quite sensitive when it comes to storage. When stored incorrectly, it can quickly become rusty and soft, losing its texture and flavour. In order to maintain its freshness and quality, it’s crucial to store cucumbers correctly.
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Waste experts at Mill Food Recycler have revealed that cucumbers can last for a week when stored with a kitchen utensil: a spoon. Yes, you’ve read it correctly. They’ve also suggested that another method to prolong their lifespan is to remove the plastic wrapping from the cucumbers before washing and drying them.
They said: “No matter how you store your cucumbers, the first step is to wash and dry them as soon as you bring them home. Bacteria on the surface of any fruit or vegetable will expedite the spoilage process, so giving cucumbers a good rinse under running water is an essential step to keeping them fresh.”
Experts have also suggested wrapping the fruit with a paper towel before placing it in a ziplock bag. By doing so, it helps absorb the excess moisture and prevent condensation from accumulating on the outside of the cucumber. This is what usually causes the early spoilage, therefore, it’s best to avoid it.
“If your refrigerator gets a lot of daily traffic, its internal temperature likely fluctuates frequently. This constant fluctuation can be bad for produce, especially cucumbers,” they’ve added.
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“A tried and true trick to help address this issue is to place a metal spoon inside the plastic bag with your cukes to help keep the temperature inside the bag more consistent; the temperature of the metal spoon is less impacted by the opening and closing of the door, and will prevent temperature fluctuations within the cucumber.”
Instead of keeping the cucumber in the fruit or vegetable drawer, experts have suggested an option for the top shelf of the fridge to ensure its freshness. They also recommended covering any cut ends with clingfilm, creating a “skin” on the cut end.
They added: “Then, wrap your cucumber in the paper towel again and return it to the plastic bag and top shelf of the fridge. The plastic wrap will help slow the decaying process but not prevent it, so you should still plan to use it within a couple of days.”
By following these simple instructions and the tips and tricks from food and waste experts, shoppers can ensure that their cucumbers will last “for four to seven days,” giving them plenty of them to maximise their usage.