How to Make Cucumbers Crisp

Cucumbers are high in calcium and vitamin A.

Fresh cucumbers generally have a crisp texture, but they can lose their crispness quickly once harvested. Too much water can cause salad dressing to become watery and can affect the crispness of pickles. Soaking the cucumbers in salt water helps to remove the excess water content. Once you properly soak the cucumbers in salt-water brine, you can process them safely to enjoy the firm cucumber texture.

Things You'll Need

• 10 cups ice water
• 1/4 cup table salt
• Container
• Knife
• Colander

Instructions

1. Combine 10 cups of ice water with 1/4 cup of salt in a container large enough to hold the cucumbers.

2. Stir the brine solution to mix the salt with the water. Cut the ends off the cucumbers. Slice the cucumbers into the desired thickness.

3. Soak the cucumbers in the salt water for 8 hours. Place the container in the refrigerator or into a container with ice to keep the water cold.

4. Drain the cucumbers in a colander when you are ready to use them.

Tips & Warnings

• Soak the cucumbers only before you plan to prepare them, because they begin to lose their nutritional content once sliced.

• Always rinse cucumbers before you slice them to remove any dangerous bacteria.

References

• University of Wisconsin Extension; Crispy and Delicious Homemade Pickles; Kristi Cutts
• University of Illinois Extension: Cucumber
• Missouri Families; Why Should Cucumbers Be Soaked in Salt Water When Making Bread and Butter Pickles?; Barbara Willenberg; May 2009
• Asian Home Recipe: About Cucumbers
• Cooks.com: Crisp Pickles Slices
• Urban Peasant; Quick Dill Cucumber Pickles; Michelle Fuerst