Cucumbers are delicious. Whether you’re slicing them up to add to salads or just eating them plain, they’re a great addition to any meal. But like all vegetables, cucumbers have a shelf life that needs to be taken into consideration when buying and storing them.
Read on to find out how long cucumbers last in the fridge so you can make sure that your next batch of pickles is as fresh as possible!
How Long Do Cucumbers Last In The Fridge?
In the fridge, cucumbers will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks. You can extend their shelf life by wrapping any leftovers in plastic wrap and refrigerating them for up to another week or so (the edges might start to turn brown).
The same goes for whole cucumber plants; if you have a lot of cucumber plants that you’re not going to eat right away, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for around 2 weeks before they start turning yellowish-brown.
How To Store Cucumbers In The Fridge
Storing cucumbers in the fridge is a great way to keep them fresh since this vegetable doesn’t last long at room temperature.
Here’s how to store cucumbers in the fridge:
1. Wash them thoroughly before storing them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This step is important because it helps prevent the growth of bacteria and mold (which can happen if food isn’t washed). If you have time, soak them in salt water for about 20 minutes before washing them out with cold water and patting dry with paper towels; this will help draw out any remaining moisture from inside the cucumber itself (which can also cause spoilage).
2. Place your washed cucumbers in a plastic bag or container that has been lined with paper towels or newspaper; these will help absorb excess moisture from any condensation that forms on the outside of your container once it’s closed up inside there.
3. Put the cucumbers into the fridge. It’s best to put them at the back end of the fridge where there will be less fluctuation in temperature.
How To Tell When Cucumbers Are Bad
Just like any vegetable, cucumbers will eventually go bad once it’s harvested. Below are some of the ways to tell when cucumbers are bad:
Check the smell. If it’s not sweet or cucumbery, it’s gone bad. If a cucumber smells like anything but fresh, it’s time to throw it away—even if part of the exterior looks fine.
Check the color. Cucumbers should be bright green and firm, with no brown spots or wilting leaves (you can also test this by pressing in on them). If your cucumber has either of these signs of decay, toss it in the compost bin or trashcan immediately!
Check the skin. If you see any soft spots that are starting to peel off, discard your cucumber right away because those are places where bacteria could have started growing and may cause illness if eaten raw (if cooked first).
Check the stems. Look at where the stem connects with each end; there should be no black spots indicating mold growth inside one end or both ends (cut away any blackened parts before serving).
How To Keep Cucumbers Fresh Longer In The Fridge
To keep cucumbers fresh for as long as possible, store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, or on a shelf that’s higher than the other food items in your fridge. The cool temperatures will help delay air-spoiling while still allowing enough airflow to keep them from getting soggy.
Cucumbers should also be kept away from ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables like bananas, tomatoes, and melons. Try not to store cucumbers with onions or garlic either—these can impart off flavors onto the vegetable if they come into contact with one another for too long. And don’t store your cukes in plastic bags; this will only trap moisture inside and encourage spoilage sooner than later!
Conclusion
Cucumbers are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that you can eat on their own or incorporate into other dishes. If properly stored at room temperature, cucumbers last for around 1 week before they start to go bad. If you want them to last longer than that, keep them in the refrigerator where they’ll last about another week or two before spoiling completely (depending on whether it’s hot out).
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
