Got a glut of cucumbers? Try pickling them as a delicious addition to burgers or sandwiches, or whizz them up into a cool and creamy soup. We have hundreds of cucumber recipes to help you make the most of this summer vegetable.
What can I do with an excess of cucumbers?
Five ways to use up leftover cucumbers
- Store them right. Keep cucumbers in the vegetable drawer of the fridge.
- Make them go further. Limp cucumbers can be revived by slicing off the end and standing in a bowl of cold water.
- Pickle them.
- Make a dip.
- Make a drink.
What can I use a glut of cucumbers?
Cucumber recipes
- Pickled radish & cucumber salad. A star rating of 4.8 out of 5.
- Crunchy cucumber salad. A star rating of 4.7 out of 5.
- Tomato, cucumber & coriander salad.
- Cucumber & elderflower spritzer.
- Creamy cucumber with gravadlax.
- Spicy cucumber salad.
- Pickled cucumbers with dill & spice.
- Fried stuffed cucumbers.
Can you freeze cucumbers for later use?
With proper prep, cucumbers should keep in the freezer for up to nine months. Weinstein recommends slicing them (peeled or unpeeled––your choice), arranging the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freezing them uncovered.
What is the best way to preserve cucumber?
The best way to store fresh cucumbers is to wash and thoroughly dry them. Then, wrap each cucumber in aluminum foil to stop moisture accumulation and keep them in an open, plastic bag. Store cucumbers in the middle of the fridge rather than the bottom because it tends to be colder at the bottom.
How do you store cucumbers for the winter?
Most people toss cucumbers into the crisper drawer of their refrigerator, which isn’t the worst option, but there’s a simple trick that will keep them fresher for longer. Wrap the whole cucumber in plastic wrap and then store it in an airtight container.
How do you use frozen cucumbers?
Thaw containers overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Eat these freezer pickles like traditional pickles, or add to salads or dips. You can also chop them to use as relish or blend the chopped cukes with mayonnaise to make your own tartar sauce. Cucumbers retain a nice crunch when frozen this way.
Can you cook cucumbers like zucchini?
Sliced cucumbers will have similar cook times to summer squash like zucchini, just a few minutes until tender and the desired level of char is achieved—if you’re going for that look and slightly smoky flavor.
Can you dehydrate cucumbers?
Cucumbers must first be blanched to remove the waxy coating. To do this, bring water to a boil then submerge the whole cucumber for exactly 30 seconds. Remove from water, and then horizontally slice into 1/8 thick chips. Evenly spread on your dehydrator tray, and dehydrate at 125 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 hours.
Can pickling cucumbers get too big?
Often these “pickling cucumbers” are extra crispy and dense when small so they make excellent specimens for fermenting/pickling, however, if left to grow bigger they become increasingly bitter until practically inedible!
Do frozen cucumbers get mushy?
Cucumbers are about 95% water, so freezing and thawing will affect their cell structure, resulting in a mushy texture. But there are many recipes where that texture will work to your advantage. Frozen cucumbers can be made into soups, dips, or smoothies, since a mushy texture won’t make or break these dishes.
How do you freeze cucumbers without pickling them?
Dice or slice the cucumbers into even slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Lay the cucumber slices in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Set in the freezer and freeze for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours. Transfer the frozen cucumber slices to an airtight freezer bag, then return them to the freezer.
How do you preserve cucumbers without a refrigerator?
It’s best to keep them out of any direct light and separated from any other fruits and veggies. The trick of wrapping them each in a paper towel and keeping them in an open bag also will also help to keep them fresher on the counter top.
Can you preserve cucumbers without pickling?
Freezing cucumbers is the best way to preserve and enjoy them all year round. It’s advisable to freeze cucumber slices rather than fresh cucumbers; whole cucumbers become soggy and lose their flavor once you defrost them. Cucumbers can last in the freezer for six to nine months if you prepare them properly.
How do you pickle cucumbers for long term storage?
Things To Know When Pickling Cucumbers For Long Term Storage
- Always Select Fresh Cucumbers. Fresh cucumbers help to ensure that your pickles will be crisp.
- Choose The Right Size.
- Wash The Cucumbers.
- Slice The Cucumbers.
- Trim Off The Top Of The Cucumber.
- Add The Cucumbers To The Jar.
- Make The Brine.
- Add The Brine To The Jar.
Can you eat a cucumber that froze?
Frozen cucumber slices and spears, believe it or not, can be eaten straight from the freezer. If you don’t want to eat them raw, you may use them in sandwiches, smoothies, chilled soups, and cucumber water instead.
Can I freeze a whole cucumber?
Here’s The Quick Answer. Cucumbers can be frozen for around a year. Either slices or chunks of cucumber can be frozen in freezer bags, or cucumbers can be frozen whole in water.
How long do cucumbers last after picked?
Whole cucumbers will stay good for about one week when properly stored. Cut cucumbers, meanwhile, will last just a few days in the fridge. It’s best to hold off on cutting until right before you’re ready to cook or serve.
What can I do with fresh garden cucumbers?
10 Easy Ways to Use Cucumbers
- Add them to smoothies. Cucumbers are cool, mild, and refreshing making them an excellent choice for summertime smoothies.
- Pickle them.
- Make frozen treats.
- Toss them in drinks.
- Make gazpacho.
- Ferment them.
- Try a different cucumber salad.
- Add them to a stir fry.
Why do cucumbers freeze in the fridge?
The optimum temperature range for storing fresh food is between 36 – 38 degrees Fahrenheit or below 40 degrees. If your food is freezing, then it is possible that your fridge’s temperature setting was accidentally set too low. This is a common problem that can lead to your refrigerator freezing food.
Can you freeze pureed cucumbers?
Instead of pickling, you can also puree cucumber instead.
Pulse peeled cucumbers into a blender. Then, pour that green goodness into ice cube trays – pick different ice cube shapes for more variety. Freeze the trays for a few hours, then transfer the frozen puree into a sealed container and freeze.