Vegetable Basics: Cucumbers

Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are a hydrating vegetable that can be eaten raw or lightly cooked. They’re low in calories but full of fiber, vitamin K, and potassium.

How to Store

• Keep whole cucumbers in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
• Avoid wrapping them too tightly. Airflow helps prevent spoilage.
• Once sliced, store in a sealed container in the fridge and eat within 1 to 2 days.

Easy Ways to Prepare

• Raw: Slice or dice for salads, snacks, or sandwiches.
• Quick pickle: Soak sliced cucumbers in vinegar, water, salt, and sugar for a fast homemade pickle.
• Sauté: Lightly cook in a skillet for 2 to 3 minutes with garlic or soy sauce.

Try Them Like This

Add cucumbers to:

• Green salads
• Tuna or chicken salad
• Wraps and sandwiches
• Cold pasta dishes
• Water with mint

Try cucumbers as:

• Pickles or quick pickles
• Sliced with hummus or dip
• Tossed in vinegar and oil
• Chopped into salsa
• Blended into smoothies

Seasoning Suggestions

• Lemon or lime juice
• Vinegar and dill
• Sesame oil and rice vinegar
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Greek yogurt and herbs

Try This

Slice cucumbers and sprinkle with vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a few chili flakes for a quick snack.

Waste Less Tip

Cucumbers getting soft? Use in chilled soups like gazpacho, blend into smoothies or juices, or pickle them to extend their life.