Ten Strategies for Dealing with an Abundance of Cucumbers

What do you do when an abundance of cucumbers threatens to overwhelm you? Did you know you can freeze and even bake with cucumbers? The key is to remember that there are more ways to use them than you might think.  The first cucumbers are often enjoyed eaten fresh with a little salt or dip but what’s next? The first thing that comes to my mind when thinking about ways to use an abundance of cucumbers is to either pickle them or make cucumber salad. These two ways of using cucumbers are great, but can be intimidating and must be eaten within a few days, if making the cucumber salad.

Get Creative with Cucumbers

So, for those of you who are looking for fun, creative, easy, and delicious ways to use cucumbers this season, we have you covered! Below you will find a plethora of ways to preserve or use cucumbers that can be easily frozen and last you several months, about 6-9 months, if preserved properly. 

Fantastic Frozen Cucumbers

First up, here are 3 fantastic ways to freeze cucumbers that can be thawed and snacked on, put in smoothies or juices, or added to another favorite recipe. 

• Freezing Sliced Cucumber: this is a great method for those who want to use the cucumber slices to infuse water or add to a smoothie. Simply slice the cucumbers with a knife or food processor into thin slices, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze for a few hours, and place in a freezer bag.
• • • Advantage: keeps for a long time
    • Disadvantage: requires freezer space
    • Link: https://foodiesfamily.com/can-you-freeze-cucumbers-for-smoothies/ 

• Brine Method: this method is similar to pickling as it uses salt and vinegar, but can easily be frozen for later use. 

• • • Advantage: Ensures that the cucumbers stay nice and crisp even after defrosting 
    • Disadvantage:  salt and vinegar might limit their uses
    • Link: https://foodiesfamily.com/can-you-freeze-cucumbers-for-smoothies/ 

• Puree into ice cubes: this method is perfect for using in smoothies and juices, as you can simply pop out as many ice cubes as you want to put into a delicious green smoothie, strawberry banana smoothie, or homemade cucumber mint lemonade for a refreshing drink! 

• • • Instructions: 
      • Cut the cucumbers into chunks and puree them in a blender.
      • Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze for several hours until completely frozen.
      • Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and take them out as needed. 
    • Link: https://foodiesfamily.com/can-you-freeze-cucumbers-for-smoothies/

Cucumber Chips & Dip

Shredded cucumber is the mystery ingredient in the creamy sauce you love on greek food while cucumber chips make a unique and healthy snack any time of the year.

• Tzatziki Sauce: a beloved Greek recipe that is delicious and perfect to top on many dishes, this sauce can be made and frozen for later use. Click on the links below for the recipe and method for freezing. 

1. 1. • Advantage: allows extra sauce that cannot be finished within a few days to stay fresher longer. 
      • Disadvantages: due to the use of the lemon, which is an acid, the texture and flavor of the sauce can be slightly altered when frozen. 
      • Link: https://cookieandkate.com/how-to-make-tzatziki/
      • How to freeze: https://oureverydaylife.com/freeze-tzatziki-37962.html

• Dehydrate: for all the chip lovers out there, this one’s for you! If you didn’t know before, you now know that cucumbers can in fact be dehydrated and made into tasty chips that are both delicious and healthy. This specific recipe is for salt and vinegar chips. 

1. 1. • Advantage: a tasty treat that can be made in large batches to use up a bunch of cucumbers.
      • Disadvantages: while this can be done in either a dehydrator or oven, there are pros and cons to both methods. Using a dehydrator is preferred, as there is even drying and a more consistent outcome, but this can be time consuming as it takes up to 12 hours. Compared to the dehydrator, using an oven takes around 3-4 hours, but can result in an uneven finished product with browning on the edges of some of the cucumbers if not careful. Another downside to this method is that the chips will most likely only last for 1-2 weeks in an airtight bag or container on the countertop. 
      • Here is the link to the recipe: https://farmtojar.com/salt-vinegar-cucumber-chips-baked-or-dehydrated/
      • For more flavor options, click here!

Cooking & Baking with Cucumbers

Expand your creativity in the kitchen by experimenting with these recipes.

• Bread and Muffins: this method of using cucumbers may be surprising but a favorite among many. Just like zucchini, cucumbers can easily be shredded and used to make tasty bread and muffins. Try this delicious cucumber nut bread for a twist on the classic zucchini bread or these easy cucumber muffins that are perfect for a quick on-the-go breakfast or after school snack for the kids!

• Soup: there are some great, delicious cucumber soup recipes that are perfect for summer, as they can be eaten cold, or heated up during the colder months. Check out this classic Cold Cucumber Soup recipe or the Chilled Avocado and Cucumber Soup for some inspiration!

1. • Advantage: great to make in large quantities, freeze, and thaw for a quick and easy meal idea. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

More Delicious Cucumber Recipes

These additional recipes incorporate cucumbers in unique and delicious ways. 

1. This Couscous Tabbouleh is a perfect side dish to any meal. Try meal-prepping the couscous ahead of time, freeze it, and thaw when ready to use. 
2. This Mint Watermelon Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side to take to a picnic or enjoy on a hot summer afternoon. 
3. Try this delicious Cucumber Lime Sauce to add flavor to salmon or chicken. 

Guest author: Lindsay Conaway is a Nutritional Sciences/Nutrition and Dietetics Undergraduate at Penn State and intern for the Employee Wellness Team at St. Luke’s University Health Network. She enjoys cooking and baking with whole food ingredients and has a passion for learning and sharing about the numerous benefits of various foods.