Cucumbers are a versatile and refreshing vegetable, but their high water content means they can go mushy quite quickly – however, two simple kitchen items can help
Cucumbers, a favourite in many British households particularly during the summer season, can quickly turn to mush due to their high water content if not stored properly. Luckily, with just a zip-lock plastic bag and some kitchen roll, you can keep them fresh for longer.
The Kitchn suggests that by wrapping cucumbers in kitchen roll and then placing them into a sealed zip-lock bag before popping them in the fridge, you can greatly extend their shelf life. This technique controls moisture levels, stopping the cucumbers from getting slimy or soft, as the kitchen roll soaks up any extra dampness and the sealed bag keeps the humidity just right, reports the Express.
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According to The Kitchn’s experts, this approach can maintain cucumbers in prime condition in the refrigerator for 16 to 19 days, whereas leaving them unwrapped in the fridge would only preserve their crunchiness for about 7 days.
The research notes: “The towel-wrapping method was interesting. It helped to wick away the moisture that seemed to contribute to sliminess and squishy spots, and the sealed bag seemed to offer more protection than an unsealed bag.”
Moreover, the expert pointed out: “It’s not fussy at all, and the smallest option on those select-a-size paper towels works perfectly for each cucumber.
“Plus, you can re-use the zip-top bag numerous times, so it’s less wasteful than the methods involving plastic wrap.”