Cucumbers have been found to exhibit a unique defence mechanism – their bitter taste. Recently, a method known as ‘milking’ cucumbers has gained popularity online for supposedly reducing this bitterness, making this healthy snack more palatable. An NHS doctor, Dr Karan Rajan, known for his TikTok presence, has shed light on the science behind this practice. He explained that cucumbers contain a bitter chemical called cucurbitacin, found in various plants like zucchinis and pumpkins, as a natural defence against predators. When cucumbers are ‘milked’ or rubbed together, this bitter substance is released, deterring animals from consuming them.
Despite the bitter taste being a defence mechanism, cucumbers offer numerous health benefits. They are primarily composed of water, making them a hydrating food, and are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Dr Rajan highlighted the advantages of including cucumbers in one’s diet, from reducing blood sugar levels to potentially aiding in lowering cholesterol levels. He noted that most of the bitter compounds reside in the cucumber’s skin, so peeling it may lessen the bitterness but could also result in losing essential nutrients.
Although ‘milking’ cucumbers may alter their taste slightly by releasing bitter compounds, the flesh itself is generally not bitter. Therefore, rubbing cucumbers together may not significantly impact the overall flavour. Dr Rajan recommended keeping the skin on to retain the vegetable’s nutrients, even if one dislikes bitter flavours. Ultimately, despite their bitter defence mechanism, cucumbers remain a valuable addition to a healthy diet, offering a range of nutritional benefits.
The practice of ‘milking’ cucumbers, as suggested by an NHS doctor to enhance their taste, has sparked interest online due to its potential to mitigate the vegetable’s natural bitterness. With cucumbers being a hydrating food rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, the bitter taste should not deter individuals from reaping their health benefits. Dr Rajan’s insights provide valuable information on the science behind this curious phenomenon, highlighting the importance of including cucumbers in one’s daily diet for overall well-being.