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. The bakery’s takeaway cucumber sandwiches depend on cucumbers that remain crisp and moist, and the plastic wrap aids in achieving this sustained quality.
Ryan Allen, content creator and founder of Slow Cooker Meals, agrees that the wrap’s primary function is to preserve freshness. “English cucumbers have thin, delicate skins which dehydrate quickly. The plastic wrap acts as a moisture barrier, greatly reducing water loss and keeping cucumbers fresh for up to a week,” he says.
In addition to moisture retention, the plastic wrap protects cucumbers from bruising during transport. Since thin-skinned cucumbers bruise easily, the wrap provides a protective layer that keeps them looking fresh and intact on supermarket shelves. Ryan adds, “By preventing damage and spoilage, plastic wrapping can actually help reduce food waste, which may offset some of the environmental impacts of using plastic.”
Consumer research by Which? supports these claims, showing that wrapped cucumbers stay fresh for about 14 days, compared to just five days for unwrapped ones. For best results, cucumbers should be refrigerated, preferably stored in the crisper drawer to further extend freshness.
In summary, the plastic packaging around cucumbers acts like a second skin, preserving moisture and protecting against damage. While reducing plastic use is important, understanding the role of packaging in minimizing food waste can help shoppers make informed choices.