How to Freeze Cucumbers the Right Way

Cucumbers are a high-yield vegetable with a short shelf life, so if you have a bumper crop or couldn't resist them on sale at the grocery store, you may be wondering what to do with your extras. Luckily, cucumbers can be kept in the freezer where they'll last for up to a year—but only if you do so correctly. We spoke to a food preservation expert and a cooking teacher to learn the best ways to preserve the flavor and texture of cucumbers in the freezer.

Can You Freeze Cucumbers?

While you can freeze cucumbers, the vegetable should never be frozen whole due to its high water content. "The water inside the cells freezes and forms large ice crystals that can damage the cell walls," says Carla L. Schwan, Ph.D., assistant professor and extension food safety specialist director at the National Center for Home Food Preservation. She explains that when frozen whole cucumbers are thawed, the water is released, causing the cells to collapse. This results in a soggy texture. Therefore, it is recommended to freeze sliced cucumbers rather than whole ones.

How to Freeze Cucumbers 3 Ways

There are a few different ways you can freeze cucumbers. No matter which method you choose, each requires freezing cucumber parts rather than the whole cucumber. 

Pickle Method

The best way to freeze cucumbers is to prepare them as pickles. "Salt is used to draw out some of the water from the cucumbers," says Schwan. This better preserves their flavor and texture.

1. Wash and thinly slice cucumbers
2. Sprinkle the cucumbers with kosher salt. 
3. Marinate the cucumber slices for two hours. 
4. Rinse cucumber slices with water. 
5. Place the cucumber slices in an airtight container. 
6. Fill the container with white vinegar and a dash of sugar and water. 
7. Place the lid on the container and store it in the freezer. 

Cookie Sheet Method

Cucumber slices may also be frozen individually, without a brine. 

1. Wash and thinly slice cucumbers.
2. Spread cucumbers in a single layer on a shallow tray.
3. Place in the freezer just long enough to freeze until the cucumber slices are firm.
4. Place cucumbers in an airtight bag, leaving no headspace, then seal. There should be no excess air in the bag.
5. Place the bag in the freezer.

Puree Method 

Another way to freeze cucumbers is to turn them into a puree, which can then be used for smoothies or sorbet. 

1. Wash and thinly slice cucumbers. 
2. Place them in a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth. 
3. Pour the puree into an airtight container. 
4. Place the lid on the container and store it in the freezer. 
   

Ice Cube Method

A fun way to preserve cucumbers is to freeze them into ice cubes. These ice cubes can be added to your water to elevate your hydration game or to cocktails for an added touch.

1. Peel and thinly slice your cucumbers and place them into a clean ice cube tray.
2. If desired, you can add additional flavors and herbs, such as lime or lemon juice, mint, or rosemary.
3. Fill up each ice cube pocket with water until just full.
4. Place in the freezer for at least six hours or until completely frozen.

How to Thaw and Use Frozen Cucumbers

To thaw pureed or pickled cucumbers, place them in the refrigerator. Thawed freezer pickles taste great on sandwiches and burgers, or they can be chopped like relish for hot dogs and tartar sauce, says Jay Weinstein, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Sliced cucumbers can be thawed in the refrigerator or used from frozen. "The method chosen will depend on what the cucumbers will be used for," says Schwan. You may want to thaw cucumber slices if they're being added to a chilled soup—or use them as is for a smoothie, for example.

How Long Cucumbers Last

Freezing cucumbers extends the vegetable's shelf life considerably. In the refrigerator, cucumbers last about four to six days, but properly frozen cucumbers may last for up to 12 months. For peak quality, though, it's best to consume frozen cucumbers within eight months, says Schwan.