Why few Cucumbers Are Bitter and What Should We Do for It

Cucumbers are one of summer’s best gifts, unless you bite into a bitter one. We all have experienced a bitter cucumber once or twice. There are so many different ways to use all types of cucumbers, but the bitter can be hard to stomach. Let’s know why few cucumbers are bitter and what is the solution.

Reason of Bitter

The reason of bitterness in cucumbers and other gourds, like zucchini, is due to a compound known as cucurbitacin. This compound is always present in cucumbers. But the levels change based on the cucumber growing process. With cultivated cucumbers, which all contain cucurbitacin B and cucurbitacin C, the compounds are supposed to make their leaves bitter. Environmental factors have an impact on the levels of cucurbitacin. These compounds are usually confined to the leaves and stems of the plants, parts of the plant humans don’t eat, so we are not aware they are there. Unfortunately, due to stressors from the climate and extreme temperature changes, soil, over-watering or under-watering these compounds can move from the leaves to the fruit. Additionally, when pollinators extract pollen from the smaller male flowers and pollinate the female flowers, this also causes a bitter taste. So, these are the reasons for bittering cucumber.

Solution of Bitter

Select a variety of cucumber that only produces female flowers, like Gynoecious varieties. This variety is bitter less. Lean soil and a general lack of nutrients can cause bitter cucumbers, so a soil rich in organic matter will go a long way toward producing less stressed, better tasting cucumbers. Cucumbers dislike competition for water and nutrients, whether it’s from other cucumber plants or weeds. Keep the bed weed-free, and space the cucumber plants appropriately when sowing seeds. Long periods of hot, dry weather can contribute to bitter cucumbers. So, Keep your cucumbers well-watered.

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