Bitter Squash: Causes and Edibility
What Causes Bitter Squash?
Zucchini, a popular summer squash, can sometimes have a bitter taste. This bitterness is caused by chemicals called cucurbitacins, which are found in all members of the cucurbit family, including cucumbers, gourds, melons, and pumpkins.
The higher the levels of cucurbitacins, the more bitter the squash will taste. Environmental stresses, such as extreme temperatures or irregular watering, can cause an increase in cucurbitacin production.
Other factors that can contribute to bitter squash include:
- Drought or excessive irrigation
- Lack of plant nutrients
- Pest infestation or disease
- Cross-pollination with wild cucurbits
Is Bitter Squash Edible?
Eating bitter squash is unlikely to kill you. However, high levels of cucurbitacins can cause severe stomach cramps and diarrhea. In rare cases, this can be fatal.
It is best to avoid eating extremely bitter squash. If the squash is only mildly bitter, you can reduce the bitterness by peeling it and discarding a couple of inches from the stem end.
How to Avoid Bitter Squash
To avoid bitter squash, it is important to:
- Provide your squash plants with consistent watering and avoid extreme temperatures.
- Fertilize your plants regularly to ensure they have adequate nutrients.
- Control pests and diseases promptly.
- Avoid planting squash near wild cucurbits, which can cross-pollinate and introduce bitter genes.
If Your Squash Is Bitter
If you find that your squash is bitter, you can try to salvage the harvest by identifying and correcting the stress factor. However, if the squash is extremely bitter, it is best to discard it.
Additional Tips
- The bitter compound in squash is more concentrated in the stem end.
- You can reduce bitterness by peeling the squash from the blossom end and discarding a couple of inches from the stem end.
- If you are saving seeds from your squash plants, be aware that cross-pollination can increase the likelihood of bitter squash in future generations.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, non-bitter squash from your garden.