Why Are My Cucumbers Bitter?

Cucumbers are a staple of many gardens across the Midwest, but they can be a frustrating crop to grow.

While they contain a bitter substance called cucurbitacin that can help deter pests, under certain conditions, the bitterness can become overwhelming and ruin the taste of the fruit.

In this article, we'll explore some of the reasons why cucumbers become bitter and what you can do to avoid or mitigate bitterness in your crop.

Why do cucumbers become bitter?

Cucumbers contain cucurbitacin, a compound that is bitter to the taste. This compound is most concentrated in the foliage and the stem, but it can also be present in the fruit.

In small amounts, cucurbitacin can be beneficial because it deters pests from munching on your plants and fruit.

However, under certain conditions, such as heat, drought, or nutrient deficiencies, the bitterness can become too concentrated and ruin the taste of the cucumber.

How to deal with bitter cucumbers

If you discover that your cucumbers are bitter, there are several steps you can take to mitigate the problem.

1. Cut off the stem end and peel the cucumber.

Bitterness is usually most concentrated at the stem and just under the skin. Cutting off the stem end and peeling the cucumber can help remove some of the bitter taste.

2. Use salt or sugar.

Salt or sugar can help reduce the ability to detect bitter taste. Be careful not to over-salt, as this can cause moisture loss.

3. Use bitter cucumbers in specific dishes.

Bitter cucumbers can still be used in certain dishes. For example, they can be used in tzatziki or balanced in sweet salads with watermelon or strawberry. They can also be used on salty sandwiches.

How to avoid bitter cucumbers

Prevention is the best way to avoid bitter cucumbers. Here are some steps you can take to help your cucumbers grow sweeter.

1. Water your cucumbers regularly.

In dry conditions and severe heat, be sure to give your cucumbers a good soaking, at least an inch per week. This will help keep the plants hydrated and reduce the concentration of bitterness in the fruit.

2. Fertilize your cucumbers regularly.

Top dress with rich organic matter to provide nutrients and use a balanced fertilizer every 5 to 6 weeks. This will help keep the plants healthy and reduce the likelihood of nutrient deficiencies.

3. Plant non-bitter "burpless" varieties.

Burpless varieties do not contain cucurbitacin and are, therefore, less likely to become bitter.

4. Be watchful of stressful conditions.

Pay attention to the weather and growing conditions and adjust your watering and fertilization accordingly.

The sooner you improve conditions in periods of heat and drought, the sweeter your cucumber crop will be.

Conclusion

While bitter cucumbers can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to mitigate the problem and prevent it from happening in the future. By watering and fertilizing your plants regularly and planting non-bitter varieties, you can help ensure a sweet and delicious cucumber crop.