How To Double the Shelf Life of Your Cucumbers

Wrap To Resist Rot

The key here is to understand that the way produce is transported isn’t usually the best way to store it, and cucumbers are a perfect example. To make them last, start by taking them out of their original packaging.

Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under running water, then pat them completely dry with a paper towel or clean dishcloth. Next, wrap each cucumber individually in a sheet of paper towel. Place them into a resealable storage bag and stash them on a refrigerator shelf — not in the crisper drawer. (This may seem counterintuitive, but the crisper drawer is typically colder and more humid than the rest of the fridge, which can cause cucumbers to spoil faster.) The paper towels will absorb the excess moisture the cucumbers release, helping them stay fresh significantly longer. This trick can extend their refrigerator life from a single week to two weeks or more. However, you should check the cucumbers periodically to replace the paper towels as needed and toss any that have started to turn.

A Word of Warning

There is one notable exception to this storage method: English cucumbers. These long, thin-skinned varieties come individually wrapped in tight plastic sleeves for a reason. Because they lack the thick, protective skin of a slicing cucumber, they are prone to bruising and dehydration. The plastic protects them during transit and keeps moisture locked inside, which also prevents skin tears that attract foodborne bacteria. Keep English cucumbers in their original packaging and store them on a middle shelf rather than in the crisper drawer. When stored this way, they should keep their snap for at least a week.