How do I keep pickling cucumbers fresh until I have enough to can?

Question

I only get one or two pickling cucumbers a day. What is the best way to keep them fresh until I have enough to can them?

Answer 1

Cucumbers contain a high amount of H2O and will wither if not processes soon after harvest.  That is why cucumbers at the grocery are either tightly wrapped in plastic or covered in a waxy coating.  

To keep in good shape, you can submerge in water or wrap tightly in plastic and keep in the 'fridge.  But, any way you slice it (pardon the pun) you need to get to them within a week of harvest for best results.

Answer 2

Make sure you wash them good, then let them dry. Then put them in the fridge. Don't let them soak in the water for a long period of time. They will absorb the water and that in itself will reduce the shelf life.JMHO.

Answer 3

Put them in the fridge

Answer 4

Sorry to say your best success will be with fresh cucumbers.  Trying to save them for more than a couple of days or weeks will result in unsatisfactory pickles.  You might want to check out a grower's market to buy what you need immediately.  

Otherwise, a friend who pickled a lot kept theirs cool for up to 4 days and were generally satisfied......I wasn't thrilled with their product, but they were.  They kept theirs on a cool back porch on newspaper and in the dark or almost dark and also in an extra refrigerator that was kept somewhat warmer than we normally keep friges...she didn't want to risk chilling the cukes too much.