Occasionally a cucumber has a bitter taste which is no fun. You can get rid of it by slicing off both ends and rubbing one piece against the cucumber (rinse the knife off between cuts to keep from spreading the bitterness). Here’s a trick my Latino hubby told me his family always did to make sure they never ate a bitter cucumber. It might sound crazy to you, but try it and see!
Rubbing that sliced end against the cucumber will release a white, foamy substance, which contains an organic compound called cucurbitacin. This compound is what makes it bitter. Keep rubbing till the skin stops producing foam. Do this on both ends of the cuke.
At that point you can either just slice, or take a fork and drag the tines down the side of the cucumber to break the skin, or peel the skin off. Either way, you’ll have a sweet cucumber!
Our favorite ways to enjoy them are with a dash of Rice Vinegar and salt, infusing a glass of ice water or carrying a big bite of hummus!
Locally yours,
Janis & Ivonne