Do you have to peel spiky cucumbers?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

When cucumbers have a lot of spines, it is generally recommended to remove them before consuming or using the cucumbers. The spines can be prickly and unpleasant to eat, so it’s best to get rid of them.

To remove the spines, you can use a cloth or a soft vegetable brush. Gently rub the cloth or brush along the length of the cucumber, applying a bit of pressure to remove the spines. This should help to smooth out the surface of the cucumber and make it more enjoyable to eat.

In addition to removing the spines, it is also important to properly harvest the cucumbers from the vine. Using a sharp knife or pruners, carefully cut the cucumber from the plant. It’s best to leave a small, one-inch section of stem attached to the cucumber. This helps to prolong the shelf life of the cucumber and prevent it from spoiling too quickly.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your cucumbers are free from spines and ready to be used in your favorite recipes or enjoyed as a refreshing snack. Removing the spines may take a bit of extra time and effort, but it is definitely worth it for a smoother and more enjoyable cucumber eating experience.

I personally have encountered cucumbers with spines before, and I found that removing them made a significant difference in the overall texture and taste of the cucumber. It’s a simple step that can greatly enhance the eating experience, so I highly recommend taking the time to remove the spines if you come across a cucumber with a lot of them.

To summarize, when cucumbers have a lot of spines, it is best to remove them before consuming or using the cucumbers. This can be done by rubbing a cloth or soft vegetable brush along the length of the cucumber to remove the spines. Additionally, when harvesting the cucumbers from the vine, it is important to leave a small section of stem attached to the cucumber. Taking these steps will result in spines-free cucumbers that are ready to be enjoyed in various dishes.