A viral TikTok trend claims that eating cucumber with a pinch of sugar creates a flavor similar to watermelon. Actress Anita Hassanandani recently discovered this hack during an interview with Filmgyaan. Health experts explain that both cucumber and watermelon belong to the same plant family, sharing similar aromatic compounds that give them comparable flavors. When sugar is added to cucumber, it enhances sweetness while reducing the vegetable's mild bitterness, making the brain perceive the taste as watermelon. However, nutritionists warn that while cucumber is hydrating and rich in antioxidants, adding sugar reduces the overall nutritional value of the combination. The pairing also creates a moderate glycemic response, causing a faster rise in blood glucose compared to eating cucumber alone. Experts advise moderation when trying this combination due to sugar's impact on health.
Science Behind the Watermelon Taste
CV Aishwarya, a clinical nutritionist at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research in Chennai, explained the science behind this phenomenon. Both cucumber and watermelon belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, sharing similar aldehydes and alcohols—volatile molecules responsible for their fresh, melon-like aroma. When sugar is added to cucumber, it increases sweetness perception while suppressing the vegetable's mild vegetal bitterness. This enhancement allows the fruity aldehydes to become more noticeable, tricking the brain into perceiving the flavor as watermelon. The combination works due to overlapping volatile aromatic compounds that contribute to closely related flavor and fragrance profiles in both foods.
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