Cucumbers naturally produce very bitter compounds known as cucurbitacins. These cytotoxins are bred out of the cucumbers by hybridization but they can always re-occur in plants that were cross-pollinated (usually unintentionally). Perhaps at one point you ate a cucumber containing some and you now have strongly aversive reactions to them?
Cucumbers naturally produce very bitter compounds known as cucurbitacins. These cytotoxins are bred out of the cucumbers by hybridization but they can always re-occur in plants that were cross-pollinated (usually unintentionally). Perhaps at one point you ate a cucumber containing some and you now have strongly aversive reactions to them?
I have never eaten a cucumber, except accidentally when it’s in a salad or sandwich. The smell alone is enough. It’s overbearing.
Oh okay. That’s really interesting! I love cucumbers, both fresh and pickled! I like the smell too. Nice and fresh!