Can You Freeze Cucumbers | How to Freeze Cucumbers and Use Them

Cucumbers grow all summer long, and they’re not inclined toward the pests and problems of some of our other crops.

Let’s explore ways to preserve them other than just pickling, including how to preserve and store cucumber’s garden fresh flavors for the winter days.

The result offers delicious cucumber flavor that can stir memories of summer—even in the depth of winter.

Cucumbers are extremely popular amongst consumers who consider it to be filled with great nutrients and vitamins and super health benefits.

It’s a versatile vegetable which can be used in sandwiches, dips, salads, juice, toppings, pickles and more.

What are the different ways to preserve cucumbers?

You can preserve and store cucumbers for later use in 4 different ways.

  • Canning 

Also known as pickles or relish. People often ask, can I can cucumbers? Yes, you can.

In order to can cucumbers, you have to add vinegar because cucumbers are a low acid food

  • Fermenting

Another way to make pickles from cucumbers is to ferment them using a brine.

  • Freezing  (Discussed in details below)

Yes, you can freeze cucumbers and later enjoy them as toppings, soups, smoothies and more. We shall discuss this in detail in this post.

  • Dehydrating

Can You Freeze Cucumbers?

Yes, it is totally possible to freeze cucumbers and preserve them for future use. Since cucumbers have high water content, some consumers think that it’s not feasible to freeze them.

If you have extra cucumbers this season, you don’t need to let them go to waste. You can freeze them and use them later. This is a guide about freezing cucumbers.

It’s important to preserve your organic garden bounty to be as healthy as possible, as well as to save time.

But if done with the right methods they can be equally delicious after months.

That’s where the idea of freezing the cucumbers is healthy since frozen produce is proven to have the highest nutrient value next to fresh.

Can You Freeze Cucumbers
Can You Freeze Cucumbers

How to Freeze and Store Cucumbers?

Cucumbers do not freeze well by traditional methods of blanching and storing.

But if sliced, preserved in vinegar or brine and frozen, they will retain their texture and make delicious dips and salads all year round.

Wondering how to keep the cucumbers fresh and how long will they last? Preserving cucumbers the right way can make them last for 8-10 months easily.

Check out how to freeze cucumbers long term without having to turn them all into pickles!

There are particularly 2 ways to freeze and store cucumbers.

  • The first one is to slice the cucumber and preserve it in brine or vinegar.
  • The other one is to use those cucumbers in a recipe that allows freezing the dish once it’s ready.

Frozen cucumbers blended in drinks, soups, and spreads, you get the nutrition, flavor and water value, without the oddity of the taste and texture of frozen cukes eaten plain.

Now you may love the frozen slices just for munching. Some people do, and it can be a good thing for kids and teething toddlers, so don’t miss it until you try it.

Freezing Cucumbers (Method 1)

Recipe to make 2 quarters

Select cucumbers that are firm and have a rich, deep green color. Organic cucumbers may not look as bright and shiny, but they are healthier because they are not coated with wax.

For freezing, they are best harvested when they are 4 to 6 inches in length and 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

Wash, remove wax and peel. Remove the wax from non-organic cucumbers with detergent and a brush. Slice cucumbers thinly with a food processor or knife.

Things You Need to Freeze Cucumbers

  • Sliced Cucumbers (amount varies depending on your size of cucumbers)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 c sugar
  • 1/2 c vinegar
  • 1 T chopped dill 

Recipe for The Brine

  • In a large bowl, cucumbers with chopped onions and 2 tablespoons of salt.
  • Let stand for 2-3 hours.
  • Rinse well with cold water, drain and return to clean bowl.
  • Add 2/3 cup of oil, 2/3 cup vinegar, 2/3 cup of sugar.
  • Mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Freezing

Freeze in a tightly covered container making sure that the cucumbers are completely covered in the brine.

Freeze. Wait at least 1 week before defrosting and eating.

The Thawing Process

Defrost cucumbers in brine in the refrigerator. The frozen cucumbers with the brine should be frozen for at least 7-10 days before being removed from the freezer.

Place the jars and containers in the refrigerator after removing from the freezer for defrosting and thawing out.

The de-frosting process for the frozen cucumbers should be at least 24 hours.

If you have a zone in your refrigerator where the temp hovers around balmy 40ºF (like the inside door) fresh cucumbers will keep best when stored there.

Freezing Cucumbers (Method 2)

Frozen cucumbers blended in drinks, soups, and spreads, you get the nutrition, flavor and water value, without the oddity of the taste and texture of frozen cukes eaten plain.

Now you may love the frozen slices just for munching. This is an ideal method if you want to store cucumbers for few days and keep them fresh.

You can also freeze cucumbers by juicing or pureeing them with a little water. Freeze the mixture in ice cube trays. Store frozen cubes in a freezer bag. Cucumber cubes make a wonderful addition to green smoothies. You can also use them to chill water or juice.

You can Freeze Cucumbers in 3 Ways to Keep Them Fresh for Days

  • Sliced Frozen Cucumbers

How to Store Sliced Cucumbers?

Method: Slice medium to thin rounds; layer on cookie sheet and freeze.
Uses:  Sliced in thin rounds is the best way to eat frozen crunchy cucumbers by itself.  To freeze cucumbers, just wash, slice, put on a baking sheet and put in the freezer.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper to help them come off easier once they are frozen. After they are frozen you can move them to a zippered freezer bag.

  • Spears

Method: Slice cucumbers into spears, place in a plastic bag or container in single layer.
Uses: Frozen cucumber spears are good for snacking and blending into green juice and smoothies

  • Pureed Cucumber Ice Cubes :

Method: Puree into a blender; pour into ice cube trays. It can be fun to use flower and heart shapes. Freeze for a couple of hours, remove from trays and store in a sealed container in the freezer.

Uses: Cuke cubes are great for smoothies, green juice, blending into cold soups with yogurt, and with cream cheese for sandwich spreads.  You can also use them to chill water or juice.

Common FAQ’s for Freezing Cucumbers

Q. Can you eat frozen cucumbers?

A. Yes. You can use frozen cucumbers in cucumber soup or smoothies.

Q. Freezing Cucumbers for Smoothies?

A. You can also freeze cucumbers by juicing or pureeing them with a little water. Freeze the mixture in ice cube trays.  Cucumber cubes make a wonderful addition to green smoothies.
Q. Can you freeze cucumbers, without blanching?
A. Yes, you can. The above method 1 explains the step-by-step process to freeze it.
Q. Can I freeze fresh cucumber juice?
A. Juice needs to be stored quickly to stay fresh and reduce oxidation.
Pour into small glass jars for storing in the refrigerator, leaving only enough room at the top of the jar for the lid.
This ensures there is limited oxygen in the jar and preserve your juice fresh longer.

Can You Freeze Cucumbers and Use it Later?

 

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