it has a mild flavor and is safe when properly grown and prepared.
However, if it tastes unusually bitter, it may contain high concentrations of cucurbitacins—natural compounds produced by plants in the cucurbit family. These substances are responsible for the bitter taste and can cause poisoning if consumed in significant amounts.
Other Vegetables That May Develop Toxins
Other cucurbit vegetables may also develop elevated cucurbitacin levels under stressful growing conditions such as extreme heat, drought, or cross-pollination with wild plants.
Vegetable Risk
Bottle gourd Most commonly reported
Squash Certain varieties
