Summer is here, and nothing beats the heat like a refreshing cold drink! If you're looking to stay cool and healthy this summer, why not try making some homemade cucumber beverages?
By freezing leftover cucumbers, you can always have a cool and hydrating drink ready whenever you need it. Not only are cucumbers low in calories and hydrating, but they also provide a satisfying crunch. Let's dive into how to freeze cucumbers and make delicious, refreshing drinks.
How to Freeze Cucumbers
Before freezing cucumbers, it's important to clean them properly. If you're using cucumbers from your garden or a nearby farm, just wash them with clean water. However, cucumbers from the supermarket may have a wax coating for preservation, so it's a good idea to use a homemade cleaner. For this, mix one cup of white vinegar, four cups of water, and one teaspoon of lemon juice in a spray bottle. Spray the cucumbers, let them sit for 2–5 minutes, and then rinse them off or gently scrub them with a vegetable brush.
While fresh cucumbers are great for salads, stir-fries, or pickling, frozen cucumbers aren't as crisp as fresh ones. However, they are perfect for making cucumber sorbet, popsicles, slushies, cold drinks, and cold soups. Here's how to freeze cucumbers in three easy ways.
Freezing Cucumber: Three Methods
To freeze cucumbers effectively, it's best to slice them first. Freezing whole cucumbers can cause them to become soft and lose their flavor when thawed. Cucumber slices can be stored in the freezer for 6–9 months.
1. Slice and Freeze:
Slice cucumbers into thin rounds and lay them out on a piece of parchment paper. Place them in the freezer for about 2–3 hours until they harden. Afterward, transfer the slices to a sealed bag or container, label them with the date, and store them in the freezer.
2. Ice Cube Method:
For cucumber ice cubes, cut cucumbers into small chunks and place them in an ice cube tray. You can add lemon slices, mint, or rosemary for extra flavor. These cucumber ice cubes are perfect for cucumber-infused water, slushies, or even adding to other cold drinks for a refreshing twist.
3. Puree and Freeze:
Cut cucumbers into slices, add a little water, and blend them into a smooth puree. For added flavor, you can swap the water with lemon juice. Pour the cucumber puree into ice cube trays or sealed containers and freeze. These cucumber cubes can be used to make sorbets or cold soups.
Thawing Frozen Cucumbers
When you're ready to use your frozen cucumbers, take the slices out and place them in a bowl. Let them thaw in the fridge for 6–8 hours. After thawing, simply drain any excess water, and they're ready for your recipes.
Important Tip: Do not thaw cucumbers at room temperature as it can lead to bacterial contamination. Also, avoid using a microwave to thaw cucumbers, as they may become mushy and lose their flavor.
5 Delicious Cucumber Drinks to Try
Now that you know how to freeze cucumbers, here are five refreshing and healthy cucumber drink recipes to try this summer:
1. Cucumber Sorbet
Cucumber sorbet is a perfect summer treat. It's similar to ice cream but healthier because it doesn't contain dairy lipids, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant. To make cucumber sorbet, blend cucumber puree with 1 1/3 cups of sugar (adjust sweetness to taste). You can also add other fruits or fruit juices to enhance the flavor. Freeze the mixture in an ice cream container and enjoy!
2. Cucumber Slushie
For a cool, icy treat, blend frozen cucumber slices or ice cubes with melon chunks, passion fruit juice, and mint until smooth. You can also add frozen cucumber slices to your favorite fruit or veggie slushie for a refreshing twist. The cucumber adds a subtle fragrance and boosts the drink's water content.
3. Cucumber Popsicles
Using the ice cube method, freeze cucumber slices, lemon slices, honey, and green tea in a popsicle mold. The result is a healthy, not-too-sweet cucumber popsicle that's perfect for a hot summer day.
4. Cucumber Lime Juice
Blend frozen cucumber cubes or slices with water, lime juice, and honey (or agave syrup). Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking. This drink is cooling and packed with vitamin C, perfect for a summer refreshment.
5. Cucumber Cold Soup
Inspired by the Spanish gazpacho, cucumber cold soup is a great way to enjoy cucumbers in a savory form. Blend frozen cucumber slices with Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Add half a teaspoon each of honey, black pepper, and salt for extra flavor. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.
Stay Cool with Cucumber
Freezing cucumbers is an easy and convenient way to have a refreshing, healthy drink ready anytime. Whether you prefer a sweet sorbet, a savory cold soup, or a cooling cucumber lime juice, these recipes will help you beat the heat in the most delicious way. Don't forget to share these recipes with your friends and family—let's stay cool and hydrated this summer, Lykkers!
