Why Did Cucumbers Grow Bitter? 5 Ways to Remove the Unpleasant Taste

17.02.2023 01:30
Updated: 14.04.2023 03:16

Cucumbers
Photo: © Belnovosti

The taste of cucumbers is influenced by many factors, including the variety and the weather at the stage of formation of the cucumbers.

Causes of bitterness

The bitter taste appears in cucumbers due to the accumulation of a certain substance in them.

Cucurbitacin accumulates in the root system, stems and fruits of cucumbers, and in general in the entire melon field.

This substance is useful for people, makes the plant itself resistant to adverse weather conditions and is even capable of repelling insects.

Why does cucurbitacin accumulate?

  • Temperature fluctuations.
  • Late watering and often overdried soil.
  • Plenty of sun in the garden.
  • Heat.
  • Lack of fertilizers.
  • Watering using cold water.

Although bitter cucumbers can be preserved and eaten, few people like the taste.

How to remove bitterness from cucumber

  1. Cut the fruit into circles, sprinkle with salt and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse off the released juices.
  2. Pour cold water over the cucumbers for 2-3 hours and leave with a horseradish leaf and mint.
  3. Make holes in the fruit in 5-6 places, immerse in water for 1.5 hours, and then rinse.
  4. Remove the skin and the attachment points to the stem from the cucumbers. The unpleasant taste is concentrated there. Then rinse the fruits with water.
  5. Wash and put in the refrigerator overnight, setting the lowest temperature. In the morning you can try it, the bitterness will be significantly reduced.
Author: Elena Gutyro Internet resource editor

Content
  1. Causes of bitterness
  2. Why does cucurbitacin accumulate?
  3. How to remove bitterness from cucumber