How Long Do Cucumbers Last?

Cucumbers - how long do cucumbers last? The shelf life of cucumbers, like most other fresh vegetables may not have a sell by date, use by date or even a best before date so you have to go with the purchase date. Because of their relatively low cost, low calories, concentration of vitamins (especially A, K and potassium) and versatility they are a great snack or addition to any meal. They are generally divided into two general categories: slicers and picklers with the latter being smaller and firmer.

So, how long do cucumbers last? When properly stored, the shelf life of cucumbers past their purchase date is approximately...

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Cucumbers Expiration Date

Fridge
Past Printed Date
Fresh Cucumbers (Whole) last for 1 Week
English Cucumbers last for 7-10 Days
Japanese Cucumbers last for 7-10 Days
Persian Cucumbers last for 1 Week
Pickling Cukes last for 1-2 Weeks
Sliced Cucumbers last for 1-2 Days

Of course, all foods last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. English and Japanese cucumbers tend to come in sealed plastic wrap which, if airtight, extends their shelf life slightly over an unwrapped fresh cucumber.

How to tell if Cucumbers are bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

Large whole cukes generally last longer because they have their protective skin (which also holds most of the nutrients).

You can usually tell by looking if they are going bad and then by feeling if your cucumbers have gone bad. Soft spots or wrinkled skin are warning signs that your cuke is aging. A common trait of a cucumber gone bad is moisture or slime on the surface. When cucumbers have gone bad, they become mushy and develop a white slimy surface and should not be eaten.

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Cucumbers to extend their shelf life?

To extend the shelf life, it is best to store them whole and un-peeled in a plastic bag in the vegetable drawer in the fridge. Do not wash them before putting them in the fridge, but rinse and scrub them well before eating as they are usually covered in an edible wax that isn't very tasty. Put cut cucumbers in a baggie and cover the cut end with a moist paper towel for the best storage.

Although cucumbers do not freeze well, the small and firm ones make great pickles when put through the canning process.

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

How to use extra before your Cucumbers go bad?

  • Chop them with tomatoes and add your favorite salad dressing.
  • How long are Cucumbers good for when prepared in a dish?

    How long do cucumbers last? That depends. How long does lettuce last last? In general, cucumbers last only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in the recipe.

    What are our shelf life resources?

    In determining how long Cucumbers lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Cucumbers.

    *An important note about expiration dates...

    Although the Cucumbers shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please eat responsibly!

    Our Favorite Food Storage Set!

    With oven-safe glass and water-tight lids, these food storage containers are ready for action! Not a Prime Member? Try a 30-day free trial today!

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