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With the right knowledge, you can easily tell when cucumbers are ripe. Our guide will not only inform you about this, but also how you can best harvest and store cucumbers.

In a nutshell

  • Cucumbers ripen quickly in summer
  • harvesting too late can make them overripe
  • Discolouration indicates an unpleasant taste
  • Firmness is an important indicator
  • Correct storage ensures long freshness

signs of maturity

Telling if a cucumber is ripe is in itself easy. Only the following points must be observed:

  • pleasant, fresh smell
  • uniform, dark green color
  • Cucumber is firm in all parts
  • Shell is taut

Tip: Another indicator is the size. Here you should orientate yourself on the respective variety. A cucumber or snake cucumber is or will of course be longer than a snack cucumber.

Overripe cucumbers

Overripe cucumbers are just as easy to spot as ripe fruit. The signs of this include:

  • spots
  • yellowish to brownish discoloration
  • unpleasant smell
  • soft consistency

Even an overripe cucumber that is only soft at the ends already has a slightly bitter aroma. The taste is then also influenced by it. Harvesting should therefore take place close to maturity.

time

When the cucumbers are ripe on their plant depends on various factors. These include, for example:

  • maintenance
  • variety
  • location
  • temperature
  • supply of nutrients
  • prebreeding or germination
  • Time of sowing or planting in open ground

Cucumber plants that are grown early in a greenhouse or in a mild climate develop buds and fruiting bodies more quickly than plants sown directly outdoors.

Tip: Grafted outdoor cucumbers are particularly resilient and can also be grown without a greenhouse without any problems. They grow fast and produce buds in a short time.

Harvesting - Instructions

When a cucumber is ripe and ready to be harvested, the right steps need to be followed. This is:

  • Carry out regular checks: Cucumbers grow very quickly with good care and sufficient heat. The fruiting bodies can mature within a few days. The plant should therefore be examined at least every two days.
  • Use clean cutting tool: To ensure that the plants do not show an increased risk of infestation with pathogens or pests after harvesting, knives and scissors should be cleaned thoroughly before use. Disinfectants, alcohol or boiling water are suitable for this purpose. In addition, the cutting tools should be sharp. Otherwise, the shoots can be crushed, which means that the cut surfaces close more slowly and poorly.
  • Let waste follow: When harvesting, the plant can be checked directly for damage. Parasites, diseases, withered leaves or dead plant parts should be removed promptly. The pruning ensures that the plant is more airy and the risk of diseases and pests is reduced. In addition, the leaves or side shoots are not attached to the fruiting bodies. This avoids stains caused by shadows or rot.

Store correctly

It is not only important to harvest the ripe cucumber at the right time, but also to store it. Because if you want to grow the plants and get the highest possible yields, you also have to ensure the shelf life. While you can preserve cucumber varieties for pickling wonderfully and for a long time, the green cucumber is not nearly as durable.
Stored properly, however, it can stay fresh and crisp for a week. Pay attention to the following criteria:

  • dark
  • cool but not cold, between 10 and 13 degrees Celsius is optimal
  • do not store near vegetables or fruit that give off ethylene

These fruits include apples and tomatoes. So you should keep them separate from the cucumber. Otherwise, ripening will be advanced very quickly, resulting in overripeness in a short time.

Tip: The vegetable compartment in the fridge or a cool area in the basement is ideal.

frequently asked Questions

How long can sliced cucumber be kept?

Cucumber slices will keep in the fridge for at least a day or two, as long as they are stored in an airtight container and the cut surfaces are flat. Otherwise, they will dry out and become soft. The taste also suffers. In addition, rot can set in very quickly or mold can spread.

What to do if the cucumber tastes bitter?

A change in taste indicates that the vegetable has spoiled. If so, discard them to avoid risking food poisoning.

Can cucumbers also be harvested in winter?

If a greenhouse is available or sufficient light and heat can be ensured in another way, this is easily possible. However, a heated greenhouse or conservatory is ideal. Snack cucumbers in particular are ideal for this and do not take up much space.

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Category:

Vegetable garden