Cucumbers add a refreshing element to any food or beverage, whether in a salad, as a hummus dipper, or tossed into some water for a fancy drink, but they may be tricky to store. When you reach for a crisp, crunchy cucumber, you usually end up with a soggy mess, but this doesn't have to be the case; simply try these cucumber storage tips.

Added moisture causes cucumbers to become soggy or even moldy, so while it’s important to clean a cucumber before storing it, the most vital step is drying it really well. Cucumbers can be preserved in an airtight container for up to a week after being washed, dried, and wrapped in a fresh, dry paper towel.

The rules change if your cucumbers have already been cut into slices since they must be kept in an airtight container with cold water to keep the slices from drying out and maintain their distinctive crunch. Cucumbers should be placed at the front of your refrigerator so they won't get too cold, whether they are whole or sliced.