Can you freeze a cucumber? Yes you can! If you've had an abundant cucumber crop in your garden this year, this tutorial shares two ways for how to freeze cucumbers -- frozen cucumber slices and frozen cucumber ice cubes!
Why You'll Love Freezing Cucumbers
If you grow your own cucumbers and have a bountiful crop this year, you need to know how to freeze cucumbers! Freezing cucumbers is a great preservation alternative to pickling. No matter which method you choose, they're easy and can help you reap the benefits of cucumbers year-round.
Can You Freeze a Cucumber?
You can freeze a cucumber, but not a whole cucumber. Freezing cucumbers does change the texture, so while you can totally throw some frozen cucumber slices into a smoothie, chilled soup, or cucumber water, you're not going to want to put previously frozen cucumber slices on a salad.
Because of that, freezing a whole cucumber is less practical. It makes it more difficult to quickly add just what's needed to a recipe.
How to Freeze Cucumbers
To freeze cucumbers, wash and dry them and then make frozen cucumber slices or cucumber ice cubes. Detailed, step-by-step instructions for both ways are below!
Frozen Cucumber Slices
Frozen cucumber slices is the most popular way to freeze cucumbers. To freeze cucumber slices:
- Wash and dry cucumbers. Remove any blemishes.
- If desired, peel cucumbers and de-seed them.
- Slice cucumbers into ¼" rounds or half-moons.
- Spread cucumbers in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat.
- Transfer sheet pan to the freezer and flash-freeze cucumbers for 1-2 hours, or until they feel solidly frozen to the touch.
- Place cucumber slices in a freezer-safe resealable bag or container and store in freezer.
Cucumber Ice Cubes
Making cucumber ice cubes is a great freezing method when you have a lot of cucumbers to process and/ or need to save freezer space. Blending cucumbers and freezing in an ice cube tray takes up less volume than freezing cucumber slices.
- Wash and dry cucumbers. Remove any blemishes.
- Roughly chop cucumber into small enough pieces to fit in a blender.
- Blend cucumber for 1-2 minutes, until they've been pureed into a smooth, even consistency.
- Pour cucumber juice into ice cube trays and freeze for 3-4 hours, or until completely frozen.
- Transfer cucumber ice cubes into a freezer-safe resealable bag or container and store in the freezer.
Because cucumbers have such a high water content (95-96%!), you likely won't need to add any water. Once the cucumbers start to break down in the blender, they very quickly turn into a juice.
How Long Do Frozen Cucumbers Last?
Frozen cucumbers last 3-6 months in an upright freezer, or 6-9 months in a deep freezer.
Best Tips for Freezing Cucumbers
- Plan ahead: if you love making a chilled soup recipe that calls for measurements of diced cucumber, go ahead and dice your cucumber before freezing.
- Don't skip flash freezing. Freezing cucumber slices in a single layer first may seem like an unnecessary step, but if you don't, your cucumber slices will freeze in one giant block, making it more difficult to use.
- Always date your bags! Once you're ready to store your frozen cucumber slices or cucumber ice cubes, make sure you label your bag with what it is and the date you made them. This helps with food safety, so you can make sure you use them within an appropriate timeframe.
How to Defrost Frozen Cucumbers
Defrost frozen cucumbers by placing them in a bowl in the fridge and thaw for 6-8 hours.
Do not try to defrost them in the microwave or you'll get a gross, mushy texture. And avoid thawing on the counter at room temp, as this increases chances for food bacteria.
How to Use Frozen Cucumbers
Frozen cucumbers are ideal to be used in smoothies, chilled soups, or to make cucumber-infused water.
Frozen Cucumber Recipes
Final Thoughts - Can You Freeze a Cucumber?
Can you freeze a cucumber? Yes! Instead of tossing a whole cucumber in the freezer, freeze cucumber slices or make frozen cucumber ice cubes. Frozen cucumber can then be tossed into your favorite smoothies, blended juices, or chilled soups.
Enjoy this article on, "Can You Freeze a Cucumber?" Save it for later on Pinterest and share with your gardening friends! And if you freeze cucumbers, share a pic of what you make with them on Instagram -- and tag me (@nutritiontofit) so I can see!
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