Freeze cucumbers this way - and they won't get soggy after defrosting

During the summer period, many summer residents think about how to save as many cucumbers as possible.

The most popular way is canning. But can't they be frozen?

This method of storage is also possible, but there are a few rules to follow to preserve their taste and structure.

How to prepare

The first step is to properly prepare the cucumbers. You need fresh, young and strong fruits without damage.

Rinse them well under cold water and dry them. After that, you need to remove the ends from both sides of the cucumber, as they can be bitter.

Slicing cucumbers

For freezing, cucumbers can be cut in different ways, depending on how you want to use them in the future. Cucumbers can be cut into circles, cubes or strips.

Blanching

Although cucumbers are not traditionally blanched before freezing, the process helps preserve their color and texture.

To do this, you need to immerse the sliced cucumbers in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then quickly cool them in ice water.

Use of salt

Another way to preserve the texture is to use salt. Sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with salt and leave for 30 minutes.

After this, you need to drain the released liquid and rinse the cucumbers under cold water. This method helps the cucumbers stay crispier after defrosting.

Freezer packaging

Place the prepared cucumbers in one layer on a baking sheet or tray and freeze them for 2-3 hours.

After this, transfer the frozen pieces into airtight bags or freezer containers.

At this stage, you need to make sure that the packaging is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering, which can lead to the formation of ice crystals and deterioration of the product quality.

How to store

Properly frozen cucumbers can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months.

It is important to label bags or containers with the freezing date to easily track shelf life. Store at -18°C or below to preserve their flavor and texture.

Defrosting and use

It is best to defrost them in the refrigerator. You should not speed up the process using a microwave or room temperature, as this may negatively affect the quality of the product.

Previously we talked about making dandelion tea .