Have you ever bitten into a cucumber and been surprised by its unpleasant bitter taste? How can you remove the bitterness in a few minutes and add it to your salad without worry? Bitter cucumbers will never be a problem again!
There's nothing worse than a bitter cucumber in a salad! Cucumbers At first glance, they seem flawless. They are fresh, firm and inviting with their characteristic green color, promising a mild and juicy taste. But sometimes, at the first bite, they surprise with a distinct bitterness, which ruins all the effort in preparing a meal.
Many people think it is bitter cucumber broken or unfit for consumption, but the truth is not so dramatic. The bitter taste is caused by natural substances that accumulate mainly in the ends and just under the skin. These compounds develop if the cucumber experiences drought, heat or other stresses during growth.
Although the bitterness it is not dangerous, It's annoying enough that many people would rather throw it away immediately. But there's no need to - there's an effective trick that can quickly remove the bitter taste.
How to remove the bitter taste with a simple trick?
When you bring a cucumber home, wash it well first. wash it under cold water. Then, using a kitchen knife, carefully cut off the top, about a centimeter wide. This cut part will be key for the next step. Use it to start rubbing the cut surface of the cucumber in a circular motion. After a few moments, you will notice a thick white foam starting to form on the cut.
This foam means that the bitter substances release from the inside. Continue rubbing for about half a minute to remove as much bitterness as possible. When the foam stops forming, wipe it off with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel and rinse the cucumber again under cold water. After that, its the taste is much more pleasant and suitable for consumption.
What does foam on the cut part of a cucumber mean?
The white foam that forms during rubbing is not dangerous. It is a completely harmless substance. natural reaction between the juices in the pickle and the mechanical friction. This releases the bitter compounds to the surface. When you wipe and rinse them, you remove most of the bitterness.
If a lot of foam forms, this is a sign that the bitterness in the cucumber is indeed present to a greater extent, so it is all the more important to carry out the process thoroughly. You will be surprised at how well it works.
How to choose the tastiest cucumbers?
You can reduce the chance of bringing home bitter cucumbers when you buy them. Choose ones that are evenly green in color, without yellowish spots or soft ends. They should be firm and taut to the touch.
If you are not going to use them immediately, store them in refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable drawer. Do not wash them before cooking, as moisture accelerates spoilage and softening.