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Dealing with glut of cucumbers

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 11:32 am
by KG Emma
So we have a feature in our June issue on what do do with all your cucumbers. We have had similar features before on gluts of beans and courgettes but it is all too easy to have too many cucumbers as well. Anyone got any tips on using a lot of cucumber? Cucumber soup recipe maybe? Cucumber jam? Cucumber wine? Any other non rude ideas for cucumber use?

Re: Dealing with glut of cucumbers

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 5:58 pm
by Pawty
Hi,

What a lovely predicament! I've never been great with cucumbers, but when I have, wow has the taste been great. Taste is wonderful compared to shops. I have pickled some baby ones - like gherkins. Were ok but I didn't get all the salt off. Definitely a skill. Then I'm afraid just lots of salads ( and maybe added to pimms and the odd g&t!!)

But I would say, if you have loads, give them to friends, family and neighbours - they really are just so good fresh, and a great way of showing non growers what can be achieved in a small space. Kids also love them!

My mum in law makes an awesome cold soup ... but cold soup isn't to everyone's taste. great for catering large numbers as can prepare in advance, so good for the harvest lunch.

Sorry, not much help on new recipes.

Pawty

Re: Dealing with glut of cucumbers

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 8:15 pm
by Westi
My work mate has obviously planted to many seeds (10), which I reminded her today, but she is into health juices and says cucumber is the base of most of these so quite happy to get loads of cucumbers as 1/2 to 1 whole cucumber goes into them, with loads of other stuff obviously!

Re: Dealing with glut of cucumbers

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 6:28 pm
by PLUMPUDDING
Just trying to remember a stir fry recipe I used to do with cucumber.

I cut the cucumber into 4 inch chunks then sliced them very finely lengthwise and sprinkle with salt to draw some moisture out.
Make a stir fry out of the usual things, chilli, spring onions, mushrooms, prawns, grated root ginger, soy sauce, a pinch of sugar etc.
Clean the salt off the cucumber, blot dry and add to the stir fry until heated through, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve with rice or noodles. I sometimes add a bit of chopped pineapple too.

Re: Dealing with glut of cucumbers

Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 3:19 pm
by retropants
i juice a fair few of mine, as I make a cucumber based soap! It takes about 3 large cukes, or near enough to 1kg juice per batch (24 bars) of soap.

Re: Dealing with glut of cucumbers

Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 6:37 pm
by Primrose
A simple summer salad of:
Sliced tomatoes,
Chopped diced cucumber (skins left on),
Chunks of feta or mozzarella cheese

Sprinkled with oregano leaves and some oil and vinegar dressing makes a delightful light summer lunch. It has an especially nice texture if you use the mini crunch type small cucumbers.

Re: Dealing with glut of cucumbers

Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2017 2:59 pm
by Pawty
Hi,

First year ever have I have been successful with cucumbers - even giving them away! With still 12 in the fridge, loads on the plant and I side salad every night (yes even with the roast) are there any more ideas?

I'd quite like to pickle some but previous attempt have been rubbish - I never manage to get all of the salt out. This years cucumbers are particularly juicy, so assume salting is a must to keep them crisp.

What a terrible problem to have .......

Pawty

Re: Dealing with glut of cucumbers

Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2017 5:22 pm
by peter
Just got home from the allotment, via the shed to lay the shallots on two big perforated plastic boxes in front of a set of six equipment fans, with a carrier bagful of cucumbers. :?

Re: Dealing with glut of cucumbers

Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2017 6:28 pm
by robo
Thinly sliced cucumber thinly sliced onion mix together then cover in vinegar ,great on chips

Re: Dealing with glut of cucumbers

Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2017 7:55 pm
by Westi
Fortunately mine are doing something unusual. They shoot up & produce a mini glut then sulk for a bit before taking off again. I've not missed a big ones hiding in the foliage to explain this, so I expect it is a response to the drop in temperature during the rainy spells.

Only got 1/2 a one left in the fridge so a bit of sunshine would be welcome anytime soon!

Re: Dealing with glut of cucumbers

Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2017 8:38 pm
by robo
I've had three this year up to now nothing big but I don't feed them one every couple of weeks is enough