If you have ever bitten into a acerb cucumber , you bonk it ’s not something you desire to do again . If you develop your own cuke , a few simple techniques will help you nullify blistering fruit .
Why Cucumbers Taste Bitter
cuke contain the rude chemical compound cucurbitacin , which causes bitterness . Bitterness varies by variety of cucumber and by temperature during the growing season .
Uneven watering increase gall , as does cool weather . fecundation , plant spatial arrangement , and watering may also sham bitterness , although flora scientist have not regain uniform cause and effect .
Growing Great Cucumbers
flora cuke form that are less acerbic . Studies in easterly Washington State found that Burpee Pickler produce four times as much acrimonious fruit as National Pickling .
works cucumbers in warm dirt in quick , sunny locations . Since distorted yield run to be more bitter , and uneven watering contributes to misshapen fruit , it ’s authoritative to ply adequate and ordered irrigation .
Mulching help maintain even grime wet . unequal nutrient levels also contribute to scratchy growing , so ample fertilization can help prevent bitterness . A soil test can supply guidance on the plant food and amendments your land penury .
Peel Away the Cucumber Bitterness
Bitterness vary in the different parts of a cucumber . The stalk closing , the peel , and the light unripe area just under the skin have high concentrations of the bitter compound than the inner flesh . While not everyone tally about this , some gardeners say you could peel away the bitterness this mode :
- Start at the blossom end of the fruit . * slit off one strip of Robert Peel , stopping about one inch from the stalk destruction . * lave the tongue , then go along slicing off landing strip until the cucumber is wholly peeled . * lave the tongue again before cutting up the cuke .
Want to learn more about preventing bitter cucumbers?
The following extension internet site have excellent information about bitter in cucumber vine and how to prevent it . Since local get conditions affect bitterness , it ’s a good mind to check with your extension service about the good variety and grow methods for your area .
To find the nearest extension office , go toThe National Institute of Food and Agriculture internet site .
Cucumber Bitterness Explainedfrom Oregon State University Extension Service
What Makes My Cucumbers Taste Bitter?from NC Cooperative Extension
Creative Commons Flickr photograph courtesy ofDavid Davies
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