Cucumbers are a staple in many British kitchens, especially during the warmer months. However, their high water content makes them prone to becoming mushy if not stored correctly. Fortunately, two simple kitchen items can help extend their freshness: a zip-lock plastic bag and kitchen roll.

According to The Kitchn, wrapping cucumbers in kitchen roll and placing them in a sealed zip-lock bag before refrigerating can significantly prolong their shelf life. This method helps manage moisture levels, preventing the cucumbers from becoming slimy or soft. The kitchen roll absorbs excess moisture, while the sealed bag maintains the right humidity.

The experts at The Kitchn maintain that using this method will keep the cucumber in good condition in the fridge for 16 to 19 days. In comparison, simply leaving it in the fridge will keep it crunchy for just 7 days.

According to the research: "The towel-wrapping method was interesting. It helped to wick away the moisture that seemed to contribute to sliminess and squishy spots, and the sealed bag seemed to offer more protection than an unsealed bag."

The expert added: "It’s not fussy at all, and the smallest option on those select-a-size paper towels works perfectly for each cucumber. Plus, you can re-use the zip-top bag numerous times, so it’s less wasteful than the methods involving plastic wrap."

For more food storage tips, visit the Express.co.uk Food section. There you can find recipes and expert advice on how to keep your food fresher for longer.

Looking for a way of keeping bread fresher for longer? Why not check out this chili con carne recipe which includes a strange ingredient?