What compound causes the noticeable bitterness sometimes found in older or sun-stressed cucumbers?
Answer
Cucurbitacins.
The unpleasant bitter taste occasionally detected in cucumbers, especially those that are older or have experienced stress such as intense sunlight exposure, is attributed to the presence of specific chemical compounds known as cucurbitacins. When these compounds accumulate, they render the vegetable unpalatable if consumed in substantial quantities. Consumers often avoid this by selecting fresher produce or opting for varieties whose preparation naturally bypasses the skin, where these compounds might be concentrated or where peeling is often associated with bitterness removal.
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