Question
I wanted to follow-up on Anne's question.  Is there anything that can be done in preparing bitter cucumbers to eat that will lessen or get rid of the bitterness.  Isn't there a thing about salting eggplants to get rid of bitterness?  Does this work?  Can one then wash off the salt?  I guess I could always try it!  But do you know of anything else?

Thanks,

Marilyn

Answer
Dear Marilyn:

The bitterness in cucumbers is usually a result of drought conditions on the crop and a good preventative measure is weekly watering of the plants.  In researching Phyllis' question and yours, I found information from the horticulture department of Iowa State University that provides great insight and I share that information below:

"Bitter Cucumbers
(by Richard Jauron, Department of Horticulture)

Bitterness in cucumbers is caused by the compounds cucurbitacin B and cucurbitacin C. The cucurbitacins are normally found in the leaves, stems and roots of the cucumber plant. The cucurbitacins spread from the vegetative parts of the plant into the cucumber fruit when the plants are under stress. Hot, dry conditions are usually responsible for bitterness in cucumbers in Iowa.

Bitterness does not accumulate uniformly in the cucumber fruit. The cucurbitacins are usually concentrated at the stem end of the fruit and just under the skin of the cucumber. Bitter cucumbers can sometimes be salvaged by cutting off the stem end and peeling the remainder of the fruit.

Cucumber varieties differ in their tendency to be bitter. Varieties that usually experience few problems with bitter fruit include Sweet Slice, Sweet Success, and Marketmore 76.

Watering cucumber plants once a week during hot, dry weather may also be helpful."

Sincerely,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee