Cucumbers ... how to keep them fresh and crunchy

 

Cucumbers will stay fresh and crunchy for 3 weeks when stored using 1 simple kitchen item

Cucumbers have a high water content of around 96%, which gives these vegetables a crispy texture and fresh taste, perfect for adding to any salad or sandwich like a BLT. Yet it's so disappointing when you reach for a cucumber you've stored in the fridge only to find it slimy.

As cucumbers have a high moisture content, they tend to have a shorter shelf life. When cucumbers have a slimy film or start to get mushy, that's a sign that they've gone bad and should be composted or put in the food recycling bin. One of the best ways to prevent spoilage is with proper storage. Food storage expert Amy from Cross Legacy claims that cucumbers will last longer if you follow a simple task that requires a common kitchen ingredient before putting them in the fridge, just like when you store blueberries or want to keep avocados fresh longer.

Cucumbers come wrapped in plastic, which can trap moisture and cause them to spoil faster.

What's more, they may carry mould spores and bacteria that contribute to cucumbers decaying.

When bringing home a cucumber from the supermarket, it's important to remove it from the plastic wrap.

To ensure their freshness for longer, Amy insisted on always washing your cucumbers properly. To do so, she adds vinegar to the water.

She said: "I use a vinegar wash because vinegar kills off mould spores, E.coli, listeria, and other harmful pathogens.

"When it comes to food safety, it is a good idea to wash produce in a vinegar bath even if it says that it is pre-washed."

For the vinegar solution, use one-quarter cup of 5% distilled white vinegar mixed with 10 cups of cool water.

Then submerge the cucumbers in the vinegar solution - two minutes is enough time.

If they don't fully fit in the bowl, soak one half, then flip them over and soak the other half.

After, lay the washed cucumbers on a clean towel and allow them to air dry completely. Ensuring they are fully dry before storing helps prevent excess moisture build-up, which can lead to mould.

Once dry, Amy recommends keeping the cucumbers in the crisper drawer of your fridge with vegetables, but not fruit. She said: "This method keeps them fresh for about two to three weeks."
Words above from article seen here

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You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. Always take account of your personal circumstances, needs, illnesses and medication you may be taking. Any allergies, or underlying health issues must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan