Can You Freeze Cucumbers?

When cucumber vines yield abundantly, what are your options? Learn how to freeze cucumbers for summer-fresh fare in any season.

snake slice 2.jpg

Cut your cucumbers into slices. These slices will become your snake's stripes, so thin slices will create thin stripes while thick slices create thick stripes. Save the ends of one cucumber to create your snake's head and tail later.

Cut your cucumbers into slices. These slices will become your snake's stripes, so thin slices will create thin stripes while thick slices create thick stripes. Save the ends of one cucumber to create your snake's head and tail later.

Cucumber vines sometimes yield so much fruit that you feel overwhelmed. Consider freezing cucumbers when you extra on hand. The result offers delicious cucumber flavor that can stir memories of summer—even in the depth of winter. Learn how to freeze cucumbers and simple ways to use that frozen fare.

The reason most people doubt that you can freeze cucumbers is due to their high water content. How does a frozen cucumber not turn to total mush? The secret lies in the preparation. To freeze this garden item, you don’t use a typical blanching process with boiling and ice water. Instead, you prepare the cucumbers in a brine solution, just like when you make pickles. In fact, frozen cucumbers in brine are often referred to as freezer pickles. The thawed product offers snap and crunch.

For best results, start with homegrown or locally raised cucumbers. If you’re not growing your own cucumbers and your family loves this garden item, consider asking farmers’ market vendors if you can buy a large quantity. Choose smaller cucumbers—roughly four to six inches long and only one to 1.5 inches in diameter. Smaller cukes work better in the freezing process.

Freeze Vegetables From Your Garden

See All Photos

Shop This Look

If you use store-bought cucumbers, they’ll likely have a wax coating. Remove this with a gentle detergent and soft brush. Wash homegrown or local farm-raised cucumbers in water. Peeling is optional. Slice cucumbers uniformly. A mandolin makes quick work of this job, but you can also do it with a knife if you have a steady hand and good eye.

Slice onions to add to your frozen cucumbers. Most recipes recommend one onion per 2 quarts of sliced cucumbers. In a large plastic bowl, layer sliced cucumbers and onions with 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt. Sprinkle the salt onto layers as you create them. Portion out the salt so it lasts to the end of your layers. Cover this mixture with plastic wrap and let it sit for roughly 2 hours (longer is fine). Dump the cucumbers and onions into a colander and rinse with cold water to remove all traces of salt. Transfer the cucumbers back to the large plastic container.

Combine one-half cup white vinegar and 1.5 cups of sugar in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture over the cucumbers and stir well, so sugar is evenly dispersed throughout the cucumbers. Some people like to add celery seed to the mixture at this point.

Ladle cucumbers into freezer containers, bags, or can-or-freeze Mason jars. Be sure to leave at least one-half-inch of head space for expansion. Label containers and freeze. Wait at least a week before eating. Frozen cucumber pickles will last up to 12 months. Thaw containers overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Eat these freezer pickles like traditional pickles, or add to salads or dips. You can also chop them to use as relish or blend the chopped cukes with mayonnaise to make your own tartar sauce. Cucumbers retain a nice crunch when frozen this way. Research freezer pickle recipes for other seasoning options and sugar and vinegar ratios.

You can also freeze cucumbers by juicing or pureeing them with a little water. Freeze the mixture in ice cube trays. Store frozen cubes in a freezer bag. Cucumber cubes make a wonderful addition to green smoothies. You can also use them to chill water or juice.

Next Up

Freezing Cabbage

Scratch store-bought cabbage off your grocery list—and fill your freezer with homegrown cabbage instead.

Freezing Cherry Tomatoes

Keep fresh cherry tomato flavor on your meal-time menu well beyond the garden season by preserving excess fruits in the freezer.

How to Freeze Okra

Okra is a Southern favorite, thanks to its heat-loving disposition. Stock up on okra in season and freeze it for later use.

How to Freeze Corn on the Cob

Whether you're freezing your garden crop or just want to preserve the bounty from the farmers' market, this easy step-by-step guide will give you the tips you need to freeze corn on the cob.

How to Freeze Tomatoes From Your Garden

Extend your garden harvest by putting your tomatoes in the deep freeze.

5 Ways to Freeze Fresh Herbs

Learn how to prepare chives, parsley and other herbs for the deep freeze.

How to Freeze Apples

Save that apple bounty for the months ahead.

Can You Freeze Watermelon?

Leftover watermelon doesn't have to spoil. Preserve the excess in the freezer for a summery treat this winter. We'll show you how.

3 Ways to Freeze Peaches

Get our step-by-step tips for freezing fresh peaches so you can enjoy them year-round.

How to Can Spaghetti Sauce

Learn how to can homemade spaghetti sauce that will allow you to savor ripe summer tomatoes all year long.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.