Tag: Vegetable compounds

Comprising at least 95% water, the humble cucumber holds a surprisingly complex chemical profile. Knowing which chemical is found in cucumber reveals a host of bioactive phytochemicals that influence its distinct taste, aroma, and potential health benefits.

Bell peppers are part of the nightshade family, the same plant family as tobacco. The alkaloid nicotine naturally occurs in small amounts in plants of the Solanaceae family, including peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. However, the levels in bell peppers are thousands of times lower than in tobacco, posing no health risk.

According to agricultural research, bitter cucumber varieties can contain cucurbitacin C concentrations ranging from 28 to over 74 ppm, depending on their size. This natural compound is the primary cause of bitterness in cucumbers and its presence is influenced by genetics, environmental stress, and the specific part of the fruit.