Quick Answer
Yes, you can freeze cucumbers to make relish later. Cucumbers hold up well to freezing, which allows you to preserve fresh cucumbers from the garden or store when they are in season. To freeze cucumbers for relish:
- Wash, peel, and slice cucumbers into desired size pieces.
- Blanch sliced cucumbers for 1-2 minutes to stop enzyme activity.
- Cool blanched cucumbers completely in an ice bath.
- Drain and pat dry.
- Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer frozen cucumber slices to a freezer bag or container.
- Store frozen for up to 12 months.
When ready to make relish, thaw cucumbers overnight in the refrigerator before using. The frozen cucumber slices will soften but maintain their shape and taste. Follow your favorite relish recipe, substituting thawed frozen cucumbers in place of fresh.
Cucumbers Are Excellent for Freezing
Cucumbers are one of the vegetables that freeze exceptionally well. Their high water content means they hold their texture nicely when frozen and thawed.
The key to successful frozen cucumbers is blanching, cooling, and draining the slices before freezing. Blanching stops the action of enzymes that can lead to off-flavors and textural changes. Shocking the blanched cucumbers in an ice bath cools them quickly for safe storage in the freezer. Draining excess moisture prevents freezer burn.
As long as they are properly prepped, frozen cucumber slices will taste fresh and crunchy when thawed. They can be used in all the same ways as fresh cucumbers – in salads, relishes, on sandwiches, and more.
Benefits of Freezing Cucumbers
Freezing cucumbers offers several advantages:
- Preserves fresh flavor at peak season
- Makes cucumbers available year-round for recipes
- Allows purchase of bulk sale prices and preservation of excess garden cucumbers
- Saves money compared to purchasing fresh out of season
- Lets you prep ingredients ahead of time for quick relish making
- Reduces waste since frozen cucumbers last up to a year in the freezer
In addition to relish, frozen cucumbers work well in salsas, chutneys, pickles, and more. Their versatility makes them a smart vegetable to freeze.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Freezing Cucumbers
Follow these simple steps for properly frozen cucumbers to use in relish and other recipes:
1. Wash and Peel
Thoroughly wash cucumbers and peel if desired. Peeling is optional but recommended for relish recipes. For long term freezer storage, peel waxed cucumbers but leave unwaxed varieties unpeeled if desired.
2. Slice
Cut cucumbers into slices, cubes, or sticks depending on planned use. Uniform 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices are ideal for relish. Match the size and shape you typically chop fresh cucumbers.
3. Blanch
Blanching stops enzyme actions that can cause loss of flavor, color, and texture. To blanch:
- Bring a large pot of water to boiling.
- Add cucumber slices and blanch for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Drain cucumbers and immediately immerse in ice bath.
4. Ice Bath
The ice bath quickly cools the blanched cucumbers to prevent overcooking. Keep them submerged for the same time they were blanched before draining.
5. Drain and Pat Dry
Allow excess water to drain off soaked cucumbers. Spread slices out on clean towels and pat dry. Removing moisture prevents freezer burn.
6. Freeze in Single Layer
Lay cucumber slices flat in a single layer on baking sheets. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
7. Package
Transfer frozen cucumber slices to labeled freezer bags or airtight containers. Squeeze out excess air.
8. Freeze
Return packaged cucumbers to the freezer. They will keep frozen for up to 12 months at 0°F.
Thawing and Using Frozen Cucumbers
When ready to use, thaw frozen cucumbers overnight in the refrigerator. This slower thawing helps maintain texture.
Once thawed, use immediately for best quality. Follow your favorite relish recipe, substituting thawed frozen cucumbers in place of fresh. Adjust any seasonings to taste after relish is made.
Tips for Using Thawed Frozen Cucumbers
- Pat thawed cucumbers dry if excess moisture is present.
- Add a little extra vinegar or lemon juice to brighten flavor.
- Increase sweetener slightly to balance any flavor loss.
- Use immediately after thawing for crispest texture.
- Avoid overcooking during heating or canning process.
With proper freezing and thawing techniques, frozen cucumbers make an excellent substitute for fresh in relish recipes. Adjust seasonings as needed to create a flavorful end product.
Suggested Relish Recipes Using Frozen Cucumbers
Here are some tasty relish recipes that work well with thawed frozen cucumbers:
Bread and Butter Zucchini Relish
- 4 cups frozen cucumber slices, thawed
- 2 cups shredded zucchini
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1⁄2 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground turmeric
Mix ingredients and simmer 20 minutes until thickened. Refrigerate before serving.
Spicy Freezer Cucumber Relish
- 4 cups frozen cucumber slices, thawed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 3⁄4 cup white sugar
- 2/3 cup white vinegar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon celery seed
Combine ingredients in a saucepan and simmer 15 minutes until thickened. Let cool completely before canning or refrigerating.
Sweet Onion Cucumber Relish
- 4 cups frozen cucumber slices, thawed
- 1 cup diced Vidalia onion
- 3⁄4 cup white sugar
- 2/3 cup cider vinegar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Pinch celery seed
Mix ingredients in a pan and cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Cool before storing.
Storing and Shelf Life of Frozen Cucumbers
For best quality, use frozen cucumbers within these recommended time limits:
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Freezer (-0°F or below) | 12 months |
| Freezer (0°F to 32°F) | 6-8 months |
| Refrigerator Freeze | 2-3 months |
Wrap or seal frozen cucumbers well to prevent freezer burn. Date packages so you can use the oldest first.
Look for signs of freezer burn such as dry, tough spots before using thawed cucumbers. Trim any damaged portions before using in relish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cucumbers for quick refrigerator pickles?
Yes, thawed frozen cucumbers work well for quick fridge pickles. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using in your favorite fresh pickle recipe. Their softer texture after freezing helps them soak up the brine quickly.
Do I need to blanch unwaxed cucumbers before freezing?
Blanching is still recommended for unwaxed cucumbers for best quality. It inactivates enzymes that can cause undesirable changes during freezing. Unwaxed cucumbers may not need peeling before blanching and freezing.
Can I use frozen cucumbers for canning relish?
It is not recommended to use frozen cucumbers for water bath or pressure canning recipes without first consulting an approved guide. Always follow validated canning directions. Thawed frozen cucumbers are best for fresh relish stored in the refrigerator.
How do I select good cucumbers for freezing?
Choose firm, fresh cucumbers without blemishes or soft spots. Small to medium size cucumbers have thinner skin and fewer seeds. Pickling varieties like Kirby work very well.
Is it better to freeze cucumbers whole or sliced?
Slicing cucumbers before freezing makes them easier to use later without thawing the whole batch. Match the size and shape of slices to the recipe. Uniform 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices or small cubes work well.
Conclusion
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve fresh cucumbers to make relish later. Blanching, proper freezing, and thawing methods allow the cucumbers to retain their flavor, color, and pleasant crunch. Thawed frozen cucumbers substitute nicely for fresh in your favorite relish recipes. With a little advance prep, you can enjoy garden-fresh cucumber relish all year round.