Why does zucchini taste bitter?

Answer 1

Most cucumber plants contain a bitter compound called cucurbitacin, which can be present in the fruit as well as the foliage. Bitterness in cucumbers tends to be more prominent when plants are under stress from low moisture, high temperatures or poor nutrition.

For some cucumber eaters, the bitter taste can be accompanied by a digestive discomfort known as a burp. Some of the newer cultivars of cucumbers do not have the bitter compound and, thus, no burp. So, some seed companies called their bitter-free cukes "burpless."

The amount of bitterness in the cucumber depends on the severity of the heat and drought. In most cases, cutting off the stem-end and removing the skin of bitter cucumbers will remove much of the bitterness. Some fruits will be bitter all the way through and should be discarded. Bitter cucumbers will not taste any better when pickled!

Watering during droughty periods to provide 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water in a single application will help keep bitterness out of subsequent fruits. Apply a mulch, such as straw, shredded bark or newspaper, to help cool the soil, conserve moisture and keep weeds under control.

Next year, your best bet is to plant bitter-free cultivars and provide optimum growing conditions, when possible. Many cultivars are listed as being bitter-free, including Carmen, County Fair, Diva, Green Knight, Sweet Slice, Sweet Success and Tasty Green. New cultivars arrive each year

Answer 2

Although uncommon, some zucchini contain a natural toxin called cucurbitacin. If you have a zucchini that tastes or smells bitter be sure that you throw it out. This toxin can cause vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fainting.

Answer 3

I eat cucumbers and don't find them bitter. Some people find the cucumber peel bitter, but it depends on the type of cucumber and how long you let it grow how strong the bitterness is. They also say if you cut the end off of a cucumber and rub the end on the rest, that it will draw the bitterness out. I don't know if it is an old wives tale and just psychological, but it does seem to work for me. It draws some white stuff up out of the cucumber, which might be what makes it bitter.

Answer 4

Zucchini tastes like nothing, so you can get fit from something that you can't even taste

Answer 5

You grow your own.