What flavor difference indicates a potentially stressed *Melothria scabra* plant?
Answer
Acrid bitterness overriding pleasant tartness
The ideal flavor of a healthy cucamelon is described as a slight, pleasant tartness. However, if the plant experiences stress during growth—perhaps due to harsh conditions or bolting—it may develop higher concentrations of cucurbitacins. When this occurs, the resulting flavor shifts from the desired tartness to an acrid bitterness. It is vital for consumers to recognize this shift, as the presence of genuine bitterness suggests higher levels of potentially problematic compounds, increasing the likelihood of pronounced gastrointestinal distress compared to a normally flavored fruit.
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