Food safety experts and a registered dietician nutritionist weigh in.

Thats why I buy lots of them at once.

Yet its so disappointing when I reach for a cucumber in the fridge only to find it slimy.

english cucumbers in basket

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Cucumbers have a high moisture content.

That is what makes them a great hydrating food.

Is It Safe To Eat Slimy Cucumbers?

prep cucumbers for cucumber quinoa salad

Elise Bauer

It can be tempting to make a run at wash off the slime or cut off the mushy parts.

Eating foods that show signs of going badcan lead to foodborne illnessesor stomach issues.

To avoid health risks, dispose of cucumbers that are slimy or mushy.

Salted and drained cucumbers in a bowl.

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

Ideally, store cucumbers in the crisper drawer in the fridge.

They should be kept between 50F to 54F and about 90% to 95% humidity.

Paper towels can help absorb moisture to keep produce fresher for longer.

Dont store cucumbers near tomatoes, apples, avocados, or other types of produce that emitethylene.

This gas can cause cucumbers to rot faster.

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

Should You Wash Cucumbers Before Eating?

Cucumbers typically are given awaxy coatinglike many other fruits and vegetablesto help keep them hydrated during shipping.

But its still critical that you wash store-bought cucumbers well before eating.

Wash them under cool, running water or use a vegetable brush to scrub the surface.

Dont slice them until youve washed them.

That will keep a knife from potentially spreading bacteria from the skin into the pulp of the produce.