Cucumbers are one of the most popular vegetables. We add them to sandwiches, summer salads or combine them with cream and serve as a salad. Those from our own garden undoubtedly taste the best. However, it sometimes happens that despite careful care, they have a strange, bitter note. It takes away the joy and makes us want to throw the harvest into the bin.
Why Are Cucumbers Bitter? The Culprit Is One Substance
First of all, it is worth noting that the bitter taste is not the result of diseases or pests. It’s the fault of natural substances, more specifically cucurbitacins. In small amounts they are harmless, but in excess they make cucumbers bad. What determines the number? This can be caused by several things:
- Inappropriate growing conditions,
- Too much fertilizer,
- Untested cucumber varieties,
- Crossing them with other plants from the cucurbit family.
Cucurbitacins are like a defense mechanism of the plant. They are supposed to protect it from pests. This substance is found mainly in leaves, stems and roots. That is why the darker side of the cucumber has a more intense bitter taste.
TIP! You should not peel the cucumber from the darker side. This way you distribute the cucurbitacins throughout the vegetable. Start from the light side, and it is best to cut the sides of the cucumber.
Why are cucumbers bitter? pexels.com/Engin Akyurt
How to Save Bitter Cucumbers? Do This Before You Eat Them
Bitter cucumbers are a common problem that gardeners are constantly struggling with. It is very important to provide the right location. They like warm, sunny and wind-sheltered places, humus and permeable soil. Mulching is also very important, i.e. covering the surface of the soil with a layer of organic material, e.g. straw, sawdust, grass or leaves. – If we have variable growing conditions, a very severe drought, we do not water the plants, then the possibility of fruit with a tart, unpleasant taste increases – said Dr. Janina Gajc-Wolska in an interview with the polskieradio.pl portal. If it’s too late and you’ve picked bitter cucumbers, put them in cold water for four hours. This way you will reduce the intensity of bitterness.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
