What do you do with excess cucumbers?
Every year we have excess cucumbers and we make a bunch of pickles at least once during the season. Click here to see how we make refrigerator pickles with our excess cucumbers. I love to just slice excess cucumbers and eat them. I like them plain, or with a sprinkle of dill. The kids eat bowls and bowls of freshly sliced cucumbers.
What can I make with fresh cucumbers?
Top ideas for fresh cucumbers: the best cucumber salads, plus soups, dips, and pickle recipes. A simple, refreshing salad that accompanies any type of food. I whipped this up the other night after a fierce craving for a gyro struck me and I was finding a lot of recipes that weren't quite what I was looking for.
How to pickle cucumbers for Pickles?
Clean, seed (as appropriate) and finely chop the cucumbers, green & yellow bell peppers and onion. In a non-reactive bowl, combine the cucumbers, peppers, onions, and the pickling salt and cover it. Let it set in a cool place for about 4 hours. Prepare water bath canner, jars & lids.
What is the best way to cook a whole cucumber?
Cucumbers, peeled, seeded, cut lengthwise into strips and then cut again into 2-3” long pieces to make thick “matchsticks Other seasonings of choice like fresh herbs (parsley, dill, basil, scallions), or dried herbs/spices (red chili flakes, etc.) Toss all ingredients in a bowl. Lay out on baking sheet and roast at 375 until soft.
What can I do with abundance of cucumbers?
10 Easy Ways to Use CucumbersAdd them to smoothies. Cucumbers are cool, mild, and refreshing making them an excellent choice for summertime smoothies.Pickle them. ... Make frozen treats. ... Toss them in drinks. ... Make gazpacho. ... Ferment them. ... Try a different cucumber salad. ... Add them to a stir fry.More items...•
Can you freeze cucumbers for later use?
Freezing cucumbers is the best way to preserve and enjoy them all year round. It's advisable to freeze cucumber slices rather than fresh cucumbers; whole cucumbers become soggy and lose their flavor once you defrost them. Cucumbers can last in the freezer for six to nine months if you prepare them properly.
What can you do with cucumbers besides pickles?
Canning, Freezing, Dehydrating and Fermenting CucumbersCucumber Salsa. Not a summer goes by that we don't can salsa, usually of the green or red tomato kind. ... Cucumber Relish. ... Cucumber Mint Jam. ... Cucumber Infused Vinegar. ... Cucumber Infused Vodka, Brandy or Gin. ... Cucumber Kombucha. ... Freezing Cucumbers. ... Cucumber Sorbet.More items...•
How do you preserve whole cucumbers?
The best way to store fresh cucumbers is to wash and thoroughly dry them. Then, wrap each cucumber in aluminum foil to stop moisture accumulation and keep them in an open, plastic bag. Store cucumbers in the middle of the fridge rather than the bottom because it tends to be colder at the bottom.
Are frozen cucumbers still good?
Frozen cucumbers are perfectly edible. If you wanted to, you could eat these cucumbers as is after they've been properly thawed. Unfortunately, defrosted cucumbers won't have the same crisp texture as fresh fruits. Since cucumbers have so much water content, they will inevitably get soggy after thawing.
What is the best way to freeze cucumbers?
Dice or slice the cucumbers into even slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Lay the cucumber slices in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Set in the freezer and freeze for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours. Transfer the frozen cucumber slices to an airtight freezer bag, then return them to the freezer.
How do you preserve cucumbers without canning them?
If you don't feel like canning, you can preserve cucumbers quite easily by making easy refrigerator pickles. They are very quick to make, no prior experience needed. And best of all they still last nearly 2 months in the fridge!
Can dogs have cucumbers?
Are Cucumbers Safe for Dogs? Cucumbers are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, and offer a low-calorie, crunchy snack that many dogs love. Cucumbers only contain about 8 calories per one-half cup of slices, compared to the 40 calories in a single medium biscuit, and are very low in sodium and fat.
How do you store cucumbers in a Mason jar?
Brine Curing Cucumbers Wash the cucumbers and put them into the Mason jar. Combine all of the other ingredients into a bowl, mix, and then pour over the top of the cucumbers, leaving one inch of headspace. What is this? Cover the jar tightly and place it in a dark area of the room for three days before refrigerating.
Can you freeze cucumber slices for eyes?
Sliced cucumbers help refresh tired eyes! They get rid of those nasty eye bags and under-eye circles. Simply place these frozen slices over your eyes for a few minutes and let them do their magic.
What foods should you not freeze?
13 Foods You Should Never Put in Your FreezerEggs.Dairy Products.Fried Foods.Carbonated Drinks.Fully Cooked Pasta.Water-Rich Produce.Defrosted Meat.Soft Herbs.More items...•
How long does cucumber last in fridge?
two weeksHow Long Do Cucumbers Last? Cut cucumbers will last only a few days in the fridge, but whole cucumbers can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Whole cucumbers at room temperature on the countertop have a shelf life of up to a week if you keep them away from direct sunlight.
Can you freeze cucumber slices for eyes?
Sliced cucumbers help refresh tired eyes! They get rid of those nasty eye bags and under-eye circles. Simply place these frozen slices over your eyes for a few minutes and let them do their magic.
Best Pairings For Cucumber Recipes
– Cucumber + tomato– Cucumber + feta cheese– Cucumber + red onion– Cucumber + vinegar– Cucumber + herbs (esp. mint, dill, basil, chervil, chives, c...
Asian-Style Cucumber Salads
– Thinly sliced or match-stick-sliced cucumbers with seaweed flakes, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and toasted sesame (pictured below).– Chopped cucumb...
Cucumber Drinks and Frozen Treats
– Add a few slices to your iced water glass or jug.– Muddle with basil, add gin and tonic.– Sangria with white wine, cucumbers, mint, and green gra...
Non-Food Uses For Cucumbers
– Apply slices on puffy or tired eyes.– Make cucumber facial masks.– Use as shoe polish, WD-40 replacement, defogger, or pest control.
Eat Them Raw
If you like cucumbers, eat a bunch of them raw. They’re cool, refreshing, and have high water content to keep you hydrated. Here are a few ideas for eating them raw:
Pickles
Who doesn’t love pickles? Ok, I do know a couple of people, but here in my house, we love them! You can enjoy them on sandwiches, as a side to sandwiches, on burgers, as a snack, and more.
Share Excess Cucumbers With Others
When you have too many cucumbers, a quick and easy way to reduce the supply is to share them with others.
Infused Water
Have you ever added sliced cucumbers to your water? It’s amazing, almost like being at a spa. Not only does it add just a little flavor, but the cucumbers somehow make a simple glass of water even more refreshing. Plus, they add a dose of vitamins and nutrients.
Gazpacho
If you’ve never made gazpacho before, you are seriously missing out. It’s a cold soup made from blended vegetables, and it’s a perfect way to use up excess cucumbers and cool down on a hot summer day.
Make Tzatziki
This Greek yogurt-based dip (or sauce) contains shredded cucumbers and is a Mediterranean staple. It’s delicious!
Make Fresh Salsa
Salsa is a delicious side dish or addition to almost any meal (don’t forget taco night!), and there are lots of different ways to make it. That said, if you make salsa with tomatoes and cucumbers, it’s a great way to use up some of your excesses.
Explore
Mini desserts put the perfect finishing touch on a Valentine's Day meal and are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
Valentine's Day is known for a romantic dinner, some red wine, and a killer dessert. Yet, morning is also a great way to feature some Valentine's Day-themed recipes and dishes, as it will start the day off on a cute, romantic note with your S.O. that will carry on over into the next couple of hours.
Dinner Recipes
If you're searching for a wow-worthy meal to cook for two, then look no further. Rich lobster is the star of these recipes that serve two. They range from succulent Champagne-basted tails to hearty grilled rock lobster.
Appetizer & Snack Recipes
When the action on the playing field heats up, which would you rather do: leap up and cheer or fuss around with plates and cutlery? I thought so. That's why I say the best game-day foods are bite-sized snacks you can easily eat with one hand.
Bread Recipes
Looking for a delicious way to bake with fresh or frozen strawberries? Your search ends here. Strawberries add fruity flavor and vibrant color to these breads and muffins.
Dessert Recipes
When the fourth quarter hits, it's time to put away the dips and snacks and reach for something sweet. Celebrate the win — or drown your sorrows — with these favorite desserts for the Super Bowl. From football-shaped confections to classic fudge brownies and more, these desserts are sure to be crowd pleasers at any watch party.
Drink Recipes
Super Bowl Sunday should be dedicated to big plays and big flavor. Go beyond beer this year with one (or many) of these delicious game day drinks. Whether your watch party calls for a family-friendly punch or spiked cider, you'll find the right fit here. Get ready for the big game with these easy, thirst-quenching heavy hitters.
1. Simple Cucumber Salad
Don’t let the prep time fool you; this cucumber salad is super quick to make. Plus, it only requires a handful of ingredients that can be tweaked to fit your tastes. The cucs do need some time to sit with salt to draw out the excess water, but the actual hands-on time for this easy salad is minimal.
2. Creamy Cucumber, Avocado, Chickpea, & Sun-Dried Tomato Salad
Speaking of quick and easy, this creamy cucumber salad is perfect for whipping up when you are short on time. All you have to do is chop the veggies and toss them with oil and vinegar. The avocados break down in the marinade, creating a creamy texture that just can’t be matched.
3. Cucumber Sandwiches
These tasty cucumber sandwiches aren’t just for the Brits. A decadent cream cheese spread filled with fresh herbs and garlic powder means these bite-sized sammies can hold their own as a lunchtime centerpiece with or without a kettle of hot tea.
4. Quick Refrigerator Pickles
This super simple pickling recipe is my husband’s go-to for dealing with our excess cucs. It doesn’t require any sterilizing or canning experience and the pickles will stay good in the fridge for up to three months.
5. Lacto-Fermented Pickles
If you want to take your pickles to the next level, try these amazing fermented pickles. Instead of relying on vinegar to make the cucs tangy and crisp, this recipe uses brine to create just the right environment for healthy bacteria to thrive. These friendly microorganisms create the acidity needed to turn the cucumbers into tasty tart pickles.
6. Tzatziki
While this tangy sauce is often associated with greek dishes, it actually pairs well with a variety of meals and snacks. I would eat tzatziki plain if it was socially acceptable, so my favorite way to enjoy it is simply with some fresh veggies or pita chips. But it also makes a great topper for roasted vegetables, salads, and for chickpea pancakes.
7. Cucumber Water
Cucumber water seems like the kind of thing reserved for fancy hotel lobbies and spa retreats.
