Why Some Cucumbers Come With That Bothersome Waxy Layer (And How To Avoid It For Good)

Delicious, crunchy, and unbelievably refreshing, cucumbers are the ultimate go-to snack we all turn to during the summer period to beat the heat. That should come as no surprise, considering how cucumbers are basically made of 96% water. Whether pickled and upgraded with soy sauce for an umami kick, or sliced and mixed into classic Greek salad along with some tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese, these crisp cucurbits are incredibly versatile. And they seem to have no drawbacks — except when it comes to their waxy skin.

The shiny, waxy coating that cucumbers naturally develop isn't just decorative, but rather has an important functional purpose. It actually helps them retain moisture and keeps them safe from any kind of environmental damage or contaminants. However, this natural protective layer is often washed away during post-harvest processing once the cucumbers are picked from the plant. That's why, to slow down oxidation and prevent spoilage, producers apply an FDA-approved layer of wax (either carnauba or paraffin wax), that mimics the natural coating cucumbers produce on their own.

Still, while this producer-added wax serves a protective purpose, it can often leave the cucumber's skin tough and unpleasantly chewy. Let's face it, this is the last thing you'd want when you're planning to make that viral TikTok cucumber salad. So, how to get rid of it for good? The bad news is, once you've bought a cucumber with that wax layer, there's almost no way to fully remove it. The good news, on the other hand, is that you can successfully avoid it.

Whether you use dish soap and water, rub the cucumbers with a vinegar-soaked towel, leave them sitting in a vinegar, baking soda, and water solution, or even try rinsing them with hot water, the reality is that none of these techniques are effective at completely removing the wax (which, in case you were wondering, is totally safe and edible despite its texture). That's why the easiest solution to avoid dealing with that stubborn waxy layer is to simply buy cucumbers that haven't been coated in the first place. 

These can either be traditional American organic cucumbers which typically come wax-free or use non-synthetic, natural waxes or any of the varieties you see wrapped fully in shrink wrap or sold in containers at the supermarket, such as English cucumbers. Apart from lacking a wax coating, the specific reason English cucumbers come wrapped in plastic is due to their soft and delicate skin, which can be easily damaged or bruised. In addition to these, you'll find that Persian and pickling cucumbers are also sold without a wax layer, and usually come wrapped in plastic or packed in eco-friendly containers.

If unwaxed cucumbers aren't available at your local store, peeling the skin is the next best alternative. However, make sure to keep in mind that peeling the skin does lead to some nutrient loss, although it is a quick and easy fix if you would rather skip the chewy, unappetizing coating.