Q&A for How to Slice a Cucumber

If you're blending the drink, I would chop the cucumber up into small pieces. If you're using it as a garnish, then I would cut it into slices.

It's slimy, blackened, or has visible mold.

You can cut foods into shapes with cookie cutters or by free-handing it with a knife.

You actually make the stripes as you peel the cucumber. Using a vegetable peeler, remove one strip of the skin all the way down the cucumber, move the peeler over enough to leave a strip of the skin attached, and run the peeler all the way down again. Repeat until you have the stripes as you like them.

When cutting a cucumber horizontally into rounds, start by placing it on a flat surface. Cut off both ends to create stable edges, then position the cucumber flat on these ends. Begin slicing at one end to create even rounds.

If the cucumber is 10 inches long, start by cutting off both ends. Then, cut the cucumber in half or into thirds, depending on your preferred size. Once you have manageable pieces, slice it horizontally into rounds or vertically for longer slices. Cutting the cucumber into smaller sections helps with handling and can reduce any potential bitterness from the blossom end.

To minimize bitterness, cut a cucumber from the stem end (the non-woody end) instead of the blossom end. The blossom end, where the cucumber was attached to the plant, tends to be more bitter. You can also rub the cut end in a circular motion to release some bitterness before slicing.

A spiral cut, often made using a spiralizer, creates noodle-like strands of cucumber for a fun and visually appealing presentation. It's great for healthier pasta alternatives in salads or stir-fries, offering a unique texture that absorbs sauces well. This method is ideal for low-carb or gluten-free meals, providing a lighter, crunchy option.

To prevent cucumber slices from sticking together, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. You can lightly sprinkle salt on the slices, let them sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off the salt. Store the slices in a single layer or use parchment paper to separate them. Keep them in an airtight container with some airflow to reduce moisture.

For 100 tea sandwiches with 1-2 thin cucumber slices each, you'll need about 6-8 medium cucumbers. A medium cucumber typically yields roughly 15-20 thin, uniform slices when using a slicer. This allows for extra in case of waste or overlap.