Nothing says summer like the satisfying snap of a fresh cucumber. Wandering through the rows, you’ll spot their dark green shapes hiding under large leaves, waiting to be picked. The scent is clean and fresh, and the taste — cool, hydrating, and subtly sweet — is nature’s way of keeping you refreshed on a hot July day.
Picking cucumbers is easy, but knowing the right stage makes all the difference. Overripe cucumbers can turn bitter, while young ones offer the best crunch.
🥒 How to Pick the Perfect Cucumber
- Size matters: For most varieties, pick when they’re firm, straight, and about 15–20 cm long.
- Color check: Look for an even deep-green color without yellow spots.
- Harvest often: Frequent picking encourages the plant to produce more fruit.
- Cut, don’t pull: Use scissors or garden shears to avoid damaging the vine.
🏡 Storing Cucumbers at Home
- Keep cucumbers in the crisper drawer of your fridge for up to a week.
- Store them dry — moisture speeds spoilage.
- For longer storage, try pickling: cucumbers can last for months in a good brine.
🍽 Three Recipes Beyond Salad
- Chilled Cucumber Soup – Blend cucumber with yogurt, mint, and garlic for a light summer starter.
- Quick Pickles – Slice cucumbers and marinate in vinegar, dill, and garlic for 24 hours.
- Cucumber Sushi Rolls – Use thin cucumber slices instead of seaweed for a refreshing twist.
🌿 Other Uses for Cucumbers
- Add cucumber slices to water for a spa-like drink.
- Place chilled slices over your eyes to reduce puffiness.
- Grate into tzatziki for a Mediterranean touch.
Want to pick your own cucumbers? These farms have them in season right now:
- Pluktuin Gewoon Buiten (noord-brabant)
- Ús Hôf (friesland)
- Van Reeuwijk Fruit & Flowers (noord-holland)
Cucumber season is short and sweet — enjoy them fresh, crunchy, and straight from the vine while you can.