What causes bitterness in cucumbers?!
What causes bitterness in cucumbers?
We planted some cucumbers down here in south louisiana, and they are so bitter, it's unedible. They are ending up 12 to 15 inches long, and about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Could this be a type of English cucumber? Does anyone know what type this might be, and how can we get rid of the bitterness? Any input is greatly appreciated.
Answers:
I did that last year! Lol. Its because you bought the kind of cucmber grown exclusively for pickling, and thats why they are so bitter. You cant get rid of the bitterness, but you can plant another variation of cucmber. Sorry Im not of much help, ans good luck!
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The bigger they are the more likely they are to be bitter.
You can give them a soak in water with a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar to help get the bitterness out. Or you can salt them and leave them in a colander for an hour or so and then rinse them like you do with eggplant to get the bitterness out.
Try both and see which way you like the taste better. I've done both in the past.
I have always took and cut the stem(about 1/2 inch) end and rubbed it on the cut end.Then when that white foamy stuff comes out,I peel it and there you have it...Never fought with a bitter one.Grandmaw taught me that..Thanks for 2.
They sound like a telegraph cucumbers, but the still shouldn't be bitter. You could try pickling them to see if the improve
It is usually the skin and the meat nearest the skin that is bitter. Try pealing a little deeper and soaking the slices in some salt water.
I Googled this and found it has to do with the chemicals produced during certain types of weather and certain areas, plus the fact that certain types of cucumbers are much more bitter.