Learn how to cut fresh cucumbers three ways to make homemade sushi rolls, a quick healthy snack, summer salads, or homemade pickles. This water-rich fruit is incredibly versatile and great to enjoy in a well-balanced diet.
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📋 What are Cucumbers?
Cucumbers are a high water content fruit from the Cucurbitaceae family or the gourd family. They are closely related to zucchini, squash, pumpkin, and melons. The cucumis genus originated from South Asia and grows on a vine, similar to squash. Cucumbers now grow across the world in a number of varieties.
The most common cucumber varieties in the United States are garden cucumbers, English cucumbers, and Persian cucumbers (used in my spicy cucumber salad recipe). Check out this Brief Guide to Types of Cucumbers to help you identify the most common types of cucumbers.
⁉️ What You'll Need
- Sharp chef's knife - One of the most important tools in the kitchen. It may be counterintuitive, but using a small knife or a dull knife is going to make it more likely that you will cut yourself and have difficulty cutting your lettuce uniformly. A good chef's knife should glide through whatever you are cutting without resistance and feel comfortable in your hand.
- Cutting board - The larger the better! Using a small cutting board is going to make your workspace feel crowded and take you longer to prep.
🔪 How to Cut a Cucumber
How to Slice Cucumbers
- Cut off the ends. After washing the cucumber, slice the ends off of the cucumber and discard.
- Slice into rings. Cut the cucumber from one end to the other into cucumber medallions based on your desired thickness.
How to Cut Cucumbers On a Bias
- Cut off the ends. After washing the cucumber, slice the ends off of the cucumber and discard.
- Slice at a diagonal. Turn your knife at a slight diagonal and cut the cucumber at a bias until you hit the other end.
How to Cut Cucumbers into Strips
- Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise. After washing the cucumber, slice the ends off of the cucumber, then cut the cucumber halves lengthwise.
- Cut again into thin cucumber sticks. Cut the halves in halves or thirds again, depending on the cucumber's thickness.
❄️ How to Store Cucumbers
To store whole, uncut cucumbers: Whole cucumbers are best stored in the refrigerator crisper drawer in an airtight container or stored in a plastic zip-top bag.
Unlike bell peppers, cucumbers store best in an airtight container as this locks in their moisture and keeps them fresh and crisp. When stored properly, a whole cucumber can last for up to 10 days.
To store cut cucumbers: As with most produce, cut cucumbers spoil considerably faster and will keep for just 2 to 3 days. For best results, opt for storing cut cucumbers in a glass Tupperware or jar. Foods stored in glass over plastic are shown to keep longer.
🍽 How to Use/Cook Cucumber
There are 3 main varieties of cucumbers: slicing cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, and seedless cucumbers. Cucumbers are typically enjoyed fresh, but they can be cooked, similar to the way you'd cook zucchini or squash. Here are a few ways to use cucumbers based on the variety of cucumber you have:
Slicing Cucumbers
Slicing cucumbers are best enjoyed fresh and have thin skins that don't require peeling. Try them as a Snack to Serve with Hummus.
Pickling Cucumbers
The most popular choice for pickling cucumbers is of course, making pickles! Make these Easy Homemade Pickles, Sweet Gherkins, or Classic Dill Pickles.
Seedless Cucumbers
Seedless cucumbers, also called Burpless cucumbers, are best used in salads, as a garnish, or a healthy snack. Try it on a salad such as Summer Tortellini Caprese Salad, Rainbow Orzo Salad with Pesto, or Jerusalem Salad (Israeli Salad). Or, try it in Sushi Rolls, on a Sushi Bake, or Shrimp Poke Bowls (Shrimp Sushi Bowls).
🔍 FAQs
Technically cucumbers are a fruit because they contain seeds. With that being said, cucumbers are almost always served and enjoyed in savory recipes.
Cucumber skin is both safe and nutritious to eat. However, depending on the cucumber variety or recipe, it may be recommended to peel the cucumbers first with a vegetable peeler. This makes the cucumbers smooth, easy to digest, and allows the fruit to blend seamlessly into recipes such as salads.
All 3 cuts are suitable for serving on a charcuterie board, but I would recommend cutting the cucumber into rings or on a bias. When cut on a bias you'll have more surface area for dipping and it looks visually interesting.
💭 One More Tip
Shop for cucumbers between late Spring and Summer. This is the peak season for cucumbers and when they are most abundant in grocery stores.
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🍴 Recipe Ideas + More Cooking Tips
How to Cut Cucumbers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
Instructions
How to Slice Cucumbers
- Cut off the ends. After washing the cucumber, slice the ends off of the cucumber and discard.
- Slice into rings. Cut the cucumber from one end to the other into cucumber medallions based on your desired thickness.
How to Cut Cucumbers on a Bias
- Cut off the ends. After washing the cucumber, slice the ends off of the cucumber and discard.
- Slice at a diagonal. Turn your knife at a slight diagonal and cut the cucumber at a diagonal until you hit the other end.
How to Cut Cucumbers into Strips
- Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise. After washing the cucumber, slice the ends off of the cucumber, then cut the cucumber halves lengthwise.
- Cut again into thin cucumber sticks. Cut the halves in halves or thirds again, depending on the cucumber's thickness.
Notes
Nutrition
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