Zucchini poisoning happens due to high levels of toxic compounds called cucurbitacins, making the vegetable extremely bitter and unsafe to eat.
1. What Is Zucchini Poisoning?
Stress factors like drought, temperature changes, or cross-pollination with wild plants can cause zucchinis to develop harmful levels of cucurbitacins.
2. Why Does It Happen?
A bitter taste is the biggest warning sign. If your zucchini tastes unusually bitter, stop eating it immediately and discard it to avoid poisoning.
3. How to Identify Bitter Zucchini
Consuming bitter zucchini can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In severe cases, it can cause dehydration and major discomfort.
4. Symptoms of Zucchini Poisoning
Always taste a small piece before cooking. Grow or buy zucchinis from reliable sources and avoid wild or homegrown zucchinis showing unusual bitterness.
5. How to Prevent Zucchini Poisoning
No, cooking does not remove cucurbitacins. Heat does not break down these toxins, so even cooked bitter zucchini remains unsafe to eat.
6. Can Cooking Remove the Toxin?
Soft spots, sliminess, or a strong odor mean your zucchini is going bad. Discard any spoiled pieces to prevent them from affecting the rest of your batch.
7. What to Do If You Eat Bitter Zucchini