Why does cucumber spoil when kept in the fridge, know the easy ways to keep it fresh and crunchy for a long time.

Lifestyle Desk- Cucumber becomes a necessity of almost every household in the summer season. From salads to raita and detox drinks, cucumber is used in many ways. Its cooling nature and water-rich properties help in keeping the body hydrated. But often people keep cucumber directly in the fridge as soon as they buy it from the market. This method may seem correct, but in reality this habit can spoil the cucumbers quickly.

Cucumber cannot tolerate very cold temperatures. If it is kept in the refrigerator for a long time, especially at very low temperatures, water starts freezing on its outer skin. Due to this the cucumber becomes soft, lifeless and shriveled from inside. Sometimes its taste is also affected and it starts melting quickly. Let us know the right way to store cucumbers.

Store it this way

If you want cucumber to remain fresh and crisp for a long time, then it is very important to store it properly. First of all, do not wash the cucumber immediately after bringing it from the market and keep it in the refrigerator. Excess moisture present on cucumber can spoil it quickly. It would be better if you wipe it thoroughly with a dry cloth or tissue.

After this, keep the cucumber wrapped in a paper towel or dry cloth. By doing this, excess moisture is controlled and the cucumber does not rot quickly. Then it can be kept in an airtight container or a light open plastic bag.

Where to keep cucumber in the fridge?

Don’t make the mistake of storing cucumbers in the coldest part of the refrigerator. It is always considered better to keep it in the vegetable drawer, where the temperature remains normal. Too much cold can damage the cells of cucumber, causing its texture to deteriorate. If the temperature at home is not too hot, cucumbers can be kept at room temperature for 1-2 days. This maintains its natural taste and crispness.

What things to keep away from?

Cucumber should not be kept near fruits like banana, tomato and apple. These fruits release ethylene gas, due to which the cucumbers start ripening and spoiling faster.

How to keep cut cucumber fresh?

If the cucumber has been cut, cover its open part thoroughly with plastic wrap. After this, keep it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Cut cucumber should be used within 1-2 days.

By adopting small precautions, you can keep cucumbers fresh, juicy and crunchy for a long time. Proper storage not only prevents vegetables from spoiling, but also reduces wastage of money and food.