What is the difference between burpless cucumbers?

Answer 1

That is as yet undetermined. Much research has been done into it, but the actual compound - if any- that causes a cucumber to be 'burpy' hasn't been isolated. The main study in this area tested various people with different types of cucumber and rated them on a scale of 1-9 for 'burpiness' (That in itself makes for interesting thoughts!). The conclusion was that oriental trellis cucumbers are often marketed as 'burpless', and these have thinner skin so there is possibly something in the skin. These cucumbers are no less bitter than others, so that eliminates that compound as a cause. Some think it may be the presence or lack of seeds that contributes.