How to wash cucumbers the right way before you eat or peel them

It’s important to wash produce whether you peel it or not.

Key Takeaways

• Wash cucumbers under running water to remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residue.
• Rinse cucumbers before peeling to avoid transferring bacteria to the edible part.
• Store cucumbers in the fridge with paper towels to keep them fresh longer.

Whether you’re tossing them into a creamy salad, layering them onto sandwiches, or simply enjoying them as a refreshing snack, cucumbers are one of the most versatile vegetables. But before you take your first bite, there’s one simple step you shouldn’t skip: washing them properly. Even cucumbers that look perfectly clean can harbor dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residue on their skin.

According to the USDA, no washing method completely removes or kills all microbes, but studies have shown that thoroughly rinsing fresh produce under running water is effective.

“Washing fruits and vegetables not only helps remove dirt, bacteria, and stubborn garden pests, but it also helps remove residual pesticides,” the USDA states.

For apples, cucumbers, and other firm produce, the USDA recommends washing well, or peeling to remove waxy preservatives that may be lingering on the peel.

Even if you plan to peel your cucumber, don’t skip the rinse. According to registered dietitian Chelsea Edwards, owner of Huntsville Nutrition Collective in northern Alabama, washing cucumbers before peeling helps prevent surface bacteria from transferring to the edible flesh through your knife or peeler. She recommends scrubbing cucumbers under running water with a clean produce brush to remove dirt and debris from the skin.

“Washing a cucumber before you peel it removes surface bacteria that could transfer from a knife or peeler cutting into the skin onto the portion you are eating,” Edwards says.

Should You Use A Produce Wash On Cucumbers?

While there are plenty of products that are marketed for specifically washing produce, the FDA cautions against their use.

“The FDA advises against using commercial produce washes because the safety of their residues has not been evaluated and their effectiveness has not been tested or standardized,” the USDA states.

Edwards agrees, noting that plain running water is all you need.

“You don’t need to use anything but water to wash a cucumber,” she says. “There’s no added benefit to using produce washes, vinegar, or baking soda.”

How To Store Cucumbers So They Stay Fresher Longer

Once your cucumbers are clean, storing them properly can help extend their shelf life. Edwards recommends keeping whole cucumbers in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer, where the cool, slightly humid environment helps maintain freshness. Wrapping each cucumber in a paper towel can also absorb excess moisture that speeds up spoilage.

If you’ve already sliced into a cucumber, cover the cut end tightly with plastic wrap before returning it to the refrigerator. For cucumber slices, store them in an airtight container with a dry paper towel placed at the bottom to absorb excess moisture and help prevent them from becoming slimy.

When shopping, Edwards recommends choosing cucumbers that feel firm and have an even color from end to end, both signs of a fresh, high-quality cucumber.

Read the original article on Southern Living