Why Are Cucumbers Wrapped in Plastic? Experts Explain It’s Not Just About Hygiene
Saturday, February 28, 2026
cucumber
plastic
freshness
packaging
foodwaste
supermarket
preservation
dehydration
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Cucumbers are a staple ingredient in many salads and sandwiches, and when you buy them at the supermarket, they’re often wrapped in plastic. While many shoppers assume this plastic covering is solely for hygiene, experts reveal it serves several important purposes beyond cleanliness.
Ann Cooper, from the Southampton-based bakery Wonderberrys, which uses cucumbers in their afternoon tea sandwiches, sheds light on the true reason behind the plastic wrap. “People often think it’s just about hygiene, but we’ve learned that the plastic helps maintain the cucumber’s freshness by preventing it from drying out,” she explains.