This one might seem a little counterintuitive, especially since many people like their cucumbers chilled. However, the cool air can actually speed up the decaying process. Next time, keep them at room temperature and notice how much longer they last.

The skin will be the first to go in the cold, causing their life span to shrink from weeks to just days. If you’re making a salad, don’t worry—cucumbers can be kept in the fridge for a few hours without a problem. Just avoid long-term refrigeration to preserve their freshness!