Bitter cucumbers and how to fix your taste buds?

How many times have you bitten into a cucumber and spit it out the very next moment because it was too bitter for your taste? At least a few times, isn’t it? Well, cucumbers are not really bitter in taste, however sometimes; they do turn bitter due to several factors. But, even bitter cucumber has a remedy. Here’s what you need to know about it.

Why bitter cucumbers exist?

Bitter cucumbers are a very natural phenomenon and nothing to worry about. To understand it closer, this significant change in taste comes from the chemical compound called cucurbitacins, and to break it further the B and C variants of this compound. These are basically defense chemicals that the cucumber plant produces in order to defend themselves from pests and other environmental factors.

While these compounds always exist in the cucumber plant, the bitterness is caused when their level increases. This increase can be due to several factors. First, if it’s an old variety of cucumber, then it will be having a high level of cucurbitacins, however is it is a relatively new or hybrid species then the level will be low as they are bred like that. Second, the more the exposure to sunlight the more cucurbitacins seem to form. These are mostly found in those parts which are exposed to light or near the stem end. Third, environmental factors like not watering the plant enough or exposing it to very high temperatures and bad soil conditions can lead to their excessive presence in the cucumber.

How to fix bitter cucumbers?

If you notice that you are receiving regular bitter cucumbers from your fixed vendor, then there might a problem in the way they are grown. To fix the same, first, you can cut off both ends of the cucumber. This is where the bitterness is maximum. Second, peel of the cucumber skin as it is where the compound is accumulated the most. Cucumbers are not exactly like zucchinis which can be consumed, skin on. Third, sometimes, even after cutting the ends of the cucumber, the bitterness remains. To avoid that, there is a second step which is followed instantly. Take the cut ends and rub it on the place you had cut it from in circular motions. You might notice a milky substance forming. This is nothing but the compound being extracted from the cucumber body. Wash the cucumber well after this to remove any trace of bitterness.

The fourth method is to soak the cucumber or cut slices in salt water or just sprinkle salt on them. Let this sit for 10-15 minutes before you wash it off. Lastly, if you grow your own cucumbers then keep the cucumber patch healthy. Water well, make a shade around the plants, keep the soil healthy by adding mulch to it and you can opt to plant hybrid varieties like Sweet Success or Burpless, which automatically makes your cucumber bitterness free.

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