Cucumbers are known for growing in abundance, sometimes to the extreme. The bitterness usually is due to stress on the fruit in the growing season, for example, if temperature is too hot or cold or lack of water during the growing season. Cucumbers contain organic compounds called ‘cucurbitacins’ that can cause them to become bitter in taste. These compounds are usually in the leaves or stem of the plant to prevent being eaten by predators but sometimes they seep into fruits. Usually, it is not in the entire fruit but just near the top and under the skin.
Why do garden cucumbers taste bitter?
