Although many of us are used to eating cucumbers all year round, summer is the season when they are fresh and fragrant, ideal for eating and adding to salads.
However, do you know how to preserve them longer, especially now that it is very hot?
The spoon trick
What job can a spoon have in storing this vegetable? It extends its life!
It's worth a try if you want to avoid throwing away the cucumbers after just a few days.
If you put a metal spoon in a sealed container with your vegetables, it can help them last 10 to 15 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure it's a metal spoon, as a plastic or bamboo one won't have the same effect.
Why does this work so well? Metal objects, such as spoons, are particularly good heat conductors and can help cucumbers avoid temperature fluctuations that translate into premature spoilage.
Refrigerator doors that open and close frequently will experience these fluctuations, and the proximity of a metal spoon to the vegetables in a bag will help them stay cool.
Cucumbers are a watery vegetable, so they are particularly sensitive to temperature changes.
This hack can save you a trip to the store for your weekend tzatziki.
How to store them
So you know you should use a spoon when storing your cucumbers, but how else should you keep them in optimal condition? While keeping them refrigerated is a good idea, placement is also important.
Place your bag of cucumbers on a shelf or by the door, as they hate too much cold and heat.
It's also a good idea to wrap your vegetables in kitchen paper before placing them in a container. If you skip this step, moisture can easily seep into the cucumbers, altering their taste and texture and shortening their shelf life.
READ MORE: How can fresh green beans be stored in the freezer?