German Cucumber Salad Recipe - Gurkensalat (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep cucumbers crisp in cucumber salad? ›

Persian Cucumbers

They have a mild flavor and thin skins, so they're great sliced or chopped for salads and snacking, or even tossed in the blender to make a Spicy Cucumber Margarita. And because they're available year-round, Persian cukes are another good choice for pickling.

The solution: The standard recommendation for ridding watery vegetable such as cucumbers of unwanted moisture is to salt them. The salt draws out the liquid from the vegetable because of the natural tendency of salt water solutions to equalize when mixed together.

Just place the slices or chunks in a colander over a bowl or sink. Sprinkle them with a couple of pinches of salt, toss to coat, and let them rest for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry with a paper towel and proceed with the recipe.

Dry the cucumbers thoroughly, as excess water on the surface can encourage spoilage. Once your cucumber is clean and dry, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This will help to keep condensation and humidity at bay, preventing sogginess, mold, and overall deterioration.

If you have a cucumber that's too bitter to eat, compost it. But, if the bitterness has concentrated near the stem and in the skin (where it's most likely to settle), peel the cucumber and slice off an inch or two near the stem. Many people sprinkle on salt or sugar to balance out the bitter taste.

Recipe FAQs

Adding salt to sliced cucumbers draws out the extra moisture in the vegetable, through a process called osmosis. Over time, the salt absorbs the water from the cucumber. What you're left with is a slightly drier cucumber with a more concentrated flavor (that won't make your salad watery).

The most remarkable variety we have tested in recent years is Green Light. This snacking cucumber is harvested when only three inches long. The slender, smooth fruits of Green Light are sweet, crisp and flavorful. Gardeners are amazed at the earliness and productivity of the variety.

In the case of tomatoes and cucumber, the fermentation of these two foods take different amounts of time to digest. On one hand, cucumber is light on the stomach and takes less time to digest, whereas on the other hand the tomatoes and their seeds take more time to ferment.

Why is my cucumber salad bitter? ›

The actual cause of bitterness in cucumbers and other gourds, like zucchini, is due to a compound known as cucurbitacin. This compound is always present in cucumbers, but the levels change based on the growing process of the vegetables. The higher the level of cucurbitacin, the more bitter the cucumber.

Crisp and creamy cucumber salad makes the perfect summer side. This old-fashioned recipe combines thinly sliced sweet onions, cucumbers, dill, garlic, and mayo for an unbelievably delicious make-ahead dish.

Soak Cucumbers In Ice Water Beforehand

If you're not canning your cucumbers immediately, leave them in an ice bath or in your refrigerator overnight to maintain firmness. Doing this before you start canning them will give you the crunchiest pickles you've ever had!

About this method: To keep cucumbers extra crunchy, Epicurious touts this method: Wash them, thoroughly dry them, wrap them in a dish towel or paper towel, place them in an unsealed plastic bag to allow some airflow, and place them in the crisper drawer.

In an airtight container, they become quickly exposed to condensation, triggering an earlier than necessary demise. Therefore, cucumbers will last longer if you store them, dried and wrapped, in a mesh produce bag or something that allows for a bit of airflow.

My favorite tip for keeping cucumber sandwiches from getting soggy is an easy one! Just salt your cucumbers! Put your sliced cucumbers in a bowl, add a sprinkle of salt, and let sit for 20 minutes.