Cucumbers come in all shapes and sizes, from small pickling cucumbers to long English cucumbers. Larger cucumbers are often found in grocery stores, which can make some people wonder if they are still good quality. The quick answer is yes, large cucumbers can still be very tasty and nutritious. Keep reading to learn more about judging the quality of large cucumbers and how to use them.
How to Judge Quality of Large Cucumbers
When selecting any cucumber, regardless of size, there are some signs of freshness and quality to look for:
- Firmness – Avoid cucumbers that are very soft or shriveled. Gently press along the length of a cucumber to check for firmness.
- Color – Cucumbers should be a vibrant dark green. Yellowing or dull color is a sign of age.
- Shape – Cucumbers may be slightly curved but should not be overly misshapen.
- Ends – The stem and blossom ends should be intact, not shrivelled or moldy.
- Skin – There should be no spots, bruises or puffy areas. Small prickles are normal.
Size alone does not indicate quality. Even very large cucumbers that meet the above criteria are still tasty and nutritious. Very large cucumbers (over 10 inches long) may have slightly larger seeds but are still perfectly edible.
Nutrition and Taste
Cucumbers are 95% water, making them naturally low in calories. One cup of raw cucumber slices contains:
- 16 calories
- 0 fat
- 4 grams carbs
- 2 grams fiber
- 2 grams sugar
- 1 gram protein
Cucumbers also provide vitamin K, potassium, vitamin C and other antioxidants. The nutrient content does not vary significantly based on size alone. However, smaller cucumbers do tend to be more tender and mild in flavor. Larger cucumbers may be slightly more bitter, but this depends more on the variety than size. English or hothouse cucumbers tend to be less bitter even when long.
Storing Large Cucumbers
Proper storage is important for maintaining freshness and quality of cucumbers:
- Refrigerate unwashed cucumbers in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer. Rinse just before eating.
- Leave 1 inch of stem attached and don’t remove the blossom end to maximize shelf life.
- Use within 3-5 days for best flavor, up to 7 days total before discarding.
- Do not store at room temperature or cucumbers will become soft and limp.
Follow these tips for any size cucumber. Very large cucumbers do not have significantly shorter shelf life compared to medium or small cucumbers.
Preparing and Serving Large Cucumbers
There are many ways to enjoy large cucumbers:
- Raw vegetable sticks – Cut into sticks and dip in hummus, ranch dressing or other dips.
- Salads – Slice or chop into chunks to add crunch to leafy green or grain-based salads.
- Wraps or sandwiches – Slice lengthwise and use as the “bread” in wraps filled with deli meat, cheese and veggies.
- Soups and stews – Add chunks to gazpacho, vichyssoise, minestrone or other chilled or hot soups.
- Smoothies – Blend chopped cucumber with yogurt, fruit and greens for a refreshing drink.
- Pickles – Slice into rounds or spears to pickle in vinegar brine.
The mild flavor and juicy crunch of cucumbers complements many dishes. Don’t limit yourself to salads – take advantage of large cucumbers to increase your vegetable intake in creative ways.
Common Questions
Are large cucumbers worth buying?
Yes, large size alone does not indicate poor quality. inspect all cucumbers carefully, but don’t disregard large cucumbers if they are still firm and free of defects. The size can allow more uses, like hollowed out cucumber cups for dips or sandwiches.
Do large cucumbers go bad faster?
No, an individual cucumber’s shelf life depends more on storage method than size. All cucumbers should be refrigerated and used within 3-7 days for best quality and freshness.
Can you eat large cucumber skins?
Yes, the skins are edible on cucumbers of all sizes. Thoroughly wash before eating. For some preparations like smoothies, you may want to peel if the skin is very thick. But for dishes like salads you can eat the skin to get extra fiber and nutrients.
Are large cucumbers seedless?
No, they contain seeds like other cucumbers. However, some varieties are bred to have smaller, softer seeds even when they grow to larger sizes. English/hothouse cucumbers are an example. Other large cucumbers may have slightly larger seeds but are still perfectly edible. Simply scoop out the seeds if desired.
Conclusion
When shopping, select fresh, firm large cucumbers with vibrant color. Store properly and use within 3-7 days for optimum quality and flavor. Take advantage of the larger size to add more nutrition and volume to salads, sandwiches, pickling and more. Don’t let size deter you – big cucumbers can still be delicious and nutritious. Look for varieties with tender skin and small seeds if bitterness is a concern. With proper selection, storage and preparation, large cucumbers can be a tasty low-calorie addition to a healthy diet.