What specific chemical compound in cucumbers is responsible for bitterness and can cause gas production?

Answer

Cucurbitacin

The compound cucurbitacin is chemically responsible for any noticeable bitterness detected when eating a cucumber. Furthermore, this compound has the undesirable effect of potentially leading to digestive distress, specifically manifesting as increased gas production and burping in sensitive individuals. This substance is predominantly concentrated within the skin of the cucumber. Consequently, those dealing with existing digestive sensitivity, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or those prone to uncomfortable bloating often find their symptoms exacerbated by cucurbitacin. A practical solution for managing this is utilizing selectively bred 'burpless' cucumber cultivars, which have been engineered to contain significantly lower or trace amounts of this compound, or by adopting a partial peeling technique.

What specific chemical compound in cucumbers is responsible for bitterness and can cause gas production?

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