Soft cucumbers

[SteveJ]

Morning all!

I am growing cucs (Burpless Tasty) for the first time this year and am getting some really good results. 

The problem is that once harvested they only remain firm for a day before going all soft and floppy.  Is there anything I can do to retain their firmness once picked?, or is this a particular characterisitic of this type of cucumber.

I cannot leave them on the plant longer as I do not want them to get too large or tough, and also to encourage further fruiting.

Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

[SteveJ]

[allaboutliverpool]

That is a tempting question to ask a GP like me.

I am tempted to prescribe the obvious.

[betula]

I think you will have a queue of people with floppy cucumbers AAL ;D

How do you store them?

Do you think you leave them on the plant long enough?

[manicscousers]

mine aren't so bad if I cut them in half and put in the salad drawer in a bag..I've heard you can cut half off and leave the rest on the plant  :o

[ceres]

I've not had this problem with Burpless but I leave them on the plant until they are full-size.

[tim]

1. Don't keep them in a real 'chill' tray. Too cold.

2. Wrap in clingfilm, as they do commercially? Although, strangely, that is usually only done for imported cus.

[SteveJ]

Thanks for the replies, they are being harvested at what I think is the correct size 10-12", any that I have left to grow larger than this have a tougher skin so not quite as pleasant eating.

Thanks Manics & Tim I will try wrapping in clingfilm/plastic bags.  I hadn't thought they could be too cold in the fridge so will store higher up - if that does not work I'll be back to AllAboutLiverpool for some of those little blue pills.

Thanks again

[Crystalmoon]

Hi there, I dont know if you have a Lakeland store near you (they do have an online site). They sell green bags that are treated with a special type of clay that keep veg fresh for much longer than anything else Ive ever tried...they are called Stay Fresh Longer bags  ;D