Cucumber storage hack and a roundup of summer recipes

A simple kitchen trick can keep cucumbers fresh for up to two weeks: place them in a sealed container with a metal spoon, away from cold spots and tomatoes, to avoid chilling damage and ethylene exposure. The same day, a cold Spanish gazpacho made with red peppers, tomatoes, cucumber and a splash of olive oil offers a quick, chilled soup ready in fifteen minutes. In Sweden, a sweet‑chili pasta salad combines penne, yogurt, sour cream and fresh vegetables for a light picnic dish. A homemade salad‑herb blend of dill, parsley, chives, borage and more lets home cooks season dressings without additives. Basil‑tomato pairings are highlighted in several salad ideas, from classic Caprese to pasta salads. For a tropical breakfast, a shaved mango yogurt bowl layers coconut yogurt, chia pudding, frozen mango and crunchy toppings. These tips and recipes give home cooks easy ways to enjoy fresh produce throughout the summer.