The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science

(Nandana) #1
should  be  scraped out before  use.


  • English cucumbers usually come individually
    shrink-wrapped, which means that there’s no
    need to scrub them before eating (they are not
    waxed). The skins are thinner than those of
    American cucumbers and so can be consumed
    with no problem. Although English cucumbers
    are usually relatively seedless, they are also
    much more watery than their American
    counterparts. They are more convenient to
    prepare but less flavorful.

  • Kirby cucumbers are like small versions of
    American cucumbers. Thick-skinned and
    relatively seedless, they have the strongest
    flavor of the three types and a texture that can
    sometimes border on tough. They are best
    pickled.


Fresh whole cucumbers can be stored in the
vegetable crisper drawer for at least a week and
often much longer. Cut cucumber pieces should be
stored wrapped in a moist paper towel inside an
airtight plastic bag or container to prevent moisture
loss. Eat cut cucumbers within 3 days.

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