The bitterness in cucumbers (and some other vegetables like zucchini) comes from cucurbitacin, a chemical the plants produce as a defense against environmental stress and wildlife. In the wild, the ...

Once slicing and salad cucumbers like this Asian variety reach an ideal length, they should be harvested while they are still slender. A deep soak once or twice a week and mulch over the soil can ...

Have you ever grabbed a cucumber, ready for that cool, refreshing crunch, only to hit an unexpected wave of bitterness? It’s a disappointment every gardener and veggie lover has faced at least once.

No doubt you’ve experienced a bitter cucumber once or twice in your day. That unpleasant flavor can make your nose twist up in disgust. There are so many different ways to use all types of cucumbers, ...

Following these tips won't leave a bad taste in your mouth. There's nothing more refreshing than a cucumber. I mean, there’s a reason why the phrase “as cool as a cucumber” exists; cukes may just be ...

Unfortunately, there is no way to identify a bitter cucumber visually. However, the first bite of a bitter cucumber is obvious. Cucumbers become bitter due to the presence of compounds called ...

What causes this phenomenon? Well, it seems no one exactly knows... Cucumbers do contain a natural organic compound called cucurbitacin, which is bitter tasting. This substance is found primarily in ...