If you have an abundance of cucumbers, fear not, the answer to can you freeze cucumbers is yes, you can. However, you may want to think about how you will use them once thawed, as they will change somewhat.
Maybe you grow your own cucumbers and have a bounty, or perhaps you are going away and won’t use what you currently have. It could be you just want to save time later and have things ready and on hand. Can you freeze cucumbers? You most certainly can.
Cucumbers are a popular salad ingredient, but they can be more versatile than that. Later, we have a look at some delicious options for using your frozen cucumbers.
Can You Freeze Cucumbers?
There are a couple of different ways to freeze cucumbers, though choosing the best method depends on how you intend to use them afterward. Cucumbers have a high water content, (they average around ninety-five percent water), but you can freeze them and they will still retain the taste. Freezing food is a good way to preserve it, and minimize food waste. It also means you can enjoy seasonal vegetables all year round.
We suggest that you freeze cucumber in slices or pieces. Whole cucumbers are more awkward to store in possibly limited freezer space, become soggy once defrosted, and won’t hold as much flavor.
We’ll show you two effective methods that require little prep time. Washing cucumbers helps remove the waxy outer coating often present on store-bought vegetables and chopping before freezing means less prep time on the other end.
Freezing Cucumber Slices as They Are
You can use this method for any variety of cucumber.
What you will need:
- Cucumbers
- A sharp knife
- Parchment paper, or wax paper
- Clean dish towel
- Baking sheet
- Reusable freezer bag
Instructions:
- Wash the cucumbers, then slice or dice them.
- Pat dry with a piece of kitchen towel.
- Place the slices/pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you don’t separate them, they will clump together.
- Freeze for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Place the frozen pieces into a freezer bag, and seal.
When ready to use, defrost for 3-4 hours at room temperature.
Freezing Cucumbers in Brine
This method will retain a little more of the cucumber’s flavor, but does take some more effort. You may find it’s worth your while, so if you have the time and energy, then give this method a go.
What you will need:
- Cucumbers
- 2 large bowls
- Sliced onions
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp celery seeds
- Oil
- Vinegar (either apple cider or white vinegar)
- Sugar
- Glass jars or freezer bags
Instructions:
- Slice or dice the cucumbers into thin slices or small cubes – peeling is optional. Place them in a large bowl.
- Add the sliced onions and salt and mix well.
- Let the sliced cucumbers marinate for two hours, then wash with cold water.
- Drain and transfer the cucumbers to a clean bowl.
- Add ⅔ cup of oil, vinegar, sugar, and the celery seeds. This makes the brine.
- Add the cucumbers, onions, and brine to freezer bags, or glass jars, leaving one inch of space at the top.
- Freeze.
These will be ready to defrost and use within a week for the best flavor.
Downsides to Freezing Cucumbers
If you follow either of the above methods, there a very few downsides. As mentioned, you will lose some moisture, and the results may appear somewhat mushy, but this can be adapted by thinking of what you may use them for, once defrosted.
The only other thing to consider is how much freezer space you have. For the first method, you’ll need enough space to place a baking sheet in the freezer, so if yours is jam-packed then you may be at a disadvantage. The second method requires a bit more effort but may take up less space overall.
Recipes for Thawed Cucumber
Frozen cucumbers might not lend so well to fresh salads, but you can make a delicious dip, such as tzatziki, to accompany your fresh salad or other food that lends to dipping, like these veggie fries.
Make a tasty infused water, add it to juices and smoothies, or bring a Mediterranean feel to a meal, and make a cold cucumber soup or gazpacho. On the sweet side of things, you can use cucumber to jazz up a fruit sorbet.
Alternatively, you can take a moment to yourself with a cucumber and rosehip face mask.
Read more:
- Mediterranean Cucumber Salad You Need To Try This Summer
- The 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow at Home
- Can You Freeze Onions? Yes – And Here’s How
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