It's supposed to draw out the bitterness for a fresh-tasting cucumber.
‘Milking’ a Cucumber Is TikTok’s Latest Trend—and We’re Not Sure How to Feel
Updated on May 18, 2020
The internet is packed with helpful information from around the world. It’s also the largest collection of trends you never expected to see (like frog bread). The hot source for trends right now is video-sharing platform TikTok.
TikTok has another viral trend, and this time it’s… milking a cucumber!
How Do You ‘Milk’ a Cucumber?
It’s pretty simple, actually. According to TikTok user @basicallyperkfect, you start with a whole cucumber. You cut off one end of the cucumber, take that cut end and rub it against the open face of the whole cucumber.
During this process, a thicker, milky-white substance should form:
@basicallyperkfectmilking a cucumber?##healthheroes ##kitchenhacks ##cucumber ##fyp
We’re not quite sure how to feel about this, but it’s definitely, definitely interesting.
What Is Happening Here?
What’s that milk stuff foaming on the outside of the cucumber? Well, it has to do with bitterness. Your cucumbers have an organic substance called cucurbitacin—a bitter compound that is typically found in the roots and stem of the plant, but can also find its way into the cucumber itself. You’ll usually find varying amounts of this compound in store-bought cucumbers.
The act of ‘milking’ is apparently using the cucumber itself to draw out that naturally bitter compound. People swear by this process, so it’s worth testing at home. I was planning on making this cucumber salad for myself later, too!
Find More TikTok Food Trends
TikTok is an endless source of viral trends, like how to make vegan bacon or this hack for your breakfast sandwiches. You can always count on the internet to give for the best (and the most intriguing) stuff on the planet.
Cucumber Recipes to Make This Summer
Cucumber Party SandwichesThis is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is cooking. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
Cucumber Salad with Miracle WhipCucumber salad with Miracle Whip, or Kansas cucumber salad, is a generations-old recipe that's a hit at picnics, potlucks and barbecues.
Authentic German Potato SaladThe most popular salad at the table? Hot German potato salad with smoky bacon and a sweet-tangy dressing.
Watermelon CupsThis lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Fresh Veggie PocketsOne summer I worked at a health food store that sold sandwiches. We were close to a college campus, so I made lots of these fresh-filled pitas for the students. Crunchy with crisp vegetables and nutty sunflower kernels, they're a fast-to-fix lunch when you're on the go.
-Linda Reeves, Cloverdale, Indiana
Chicken with Mango-Cucumber SalsaI put this dish together after looking for something quick and easy without too much indoor cooking. My husband prefers this moist grilled chicken a tad spicy. —Linda Tringali, Monroe Township, New Jersey
Sesame-Ginger Cucumber SaladI love the marinated sides and salads that come with meals at Japanese restaurants and wanted to try them at home. After some research, I came up with this cool, crisp salad. —Kimberly Ludvick, Newburgh, New York
Greek Shrimp CanapesI grew up by the ocean and then moved to a landlocked state. I wanted to show people in my area how to easily cook seafood, and this is the recipe I came up with. I think it’s safe to say it has become a neighborhood favorite. —Amy Harris, Springville, Utah
Cheeseburger BowlMeet our new favorite bunless burger option: the cheeseburger bowl! Whether you are cutting carbs, eat gluten-free or forgot to buy buns, you'll love this take on a burger.
Greek SaladIt only takes a handful of ingredients to make a bright, refreshing and incredibly flavorful Greek salad.
Fresh Cucumber SaladThis easy, fresh cucumber salad is the perfect summer side dish—light, flavorful and packed with hydration. Make this if you're ready to serve up some cool, crisp goodness at your next gathering!
Turkey GyrosGreek seasoning, feta cheese and dill-cucumber sauce give this gyro an authentic taste. It was my family's introduction to how really good pita bread can be. Instead of feta cheese, we'll sprinkle on cheddar or Monterey Jack if we have it. —Donna Garvin, Glens Falls, New York
Kohlrabi, Cucumber and Tomato SaladThis chilled, refreshing salad is wonderful on hot days. It has a nice crunch and a delicious balance of sweet and spicy flavors. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York
Cucumber Salad with Sour CreamCucumber salad with sour cream is the side dish you need. It is cool and creamy—the perfect way to use all those cucumbers from your garden!
Stuffed Cherry TomatoesCream-cheese-stuffed cherry tomatoes are a simple yet delicious vegetarian appetizer that's an excellent accompaniment to a party spread of charcuterie and crudités.
Cucumber Watermelon SaladRefreshing cucumber watermelon salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy watermelon, fresh herbs and a tangy vinaigrette for an unforgettable burst of summery flavor.
Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime SauceLime with ginger is a favorite flavor combo for me, especially with grilled salmon. So good. Even with the cucumber sauce, this recipe is easy, too. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Creamy Cucumber SaladThis creamy cucumber salad, a Norwegian favorite, was a staple at all of our family holidays. —Patty LaNoue Stearns, Traverse City, Michigan
Crisp & Spicy Cucumber SaladRice vinegar, sesame oil and cayenne create a sweet-hot Asian flavor that will light up your taste buds! —Alivia Dockery, Jensen Beach, Florida
Garden Tomato SaladFor as long as I can remember, Mom made a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Now I make it whenever beautiful tomatoes are in reach. —Shannon Arthur, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Shrimp & Cucumber RoundsI always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They're easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California
Cucumber and Red Onion SaladIf you need to quickly make a dish for a potluck or gathering, you can make this cucumber and red onion salad in just a few minutes. Even if you don't have time to let it sit so that the flavors can fully meld, it will still taste cool and refreshing.
Cucumber Tomato SaladFrom the colors alone, you can tell this cucumber tomato salad will be bursting with fresh flavors. The feta cheese adds a layer of tang and creaminess. Chilling time aside, this recipe is ready in a matter of minutes.
Chicken with Peach-Avocado SalsaThis super fresh dinner is pure summer—juicy peaches, creamy avocado, grilled chicken and a kick of hot sauce and lime. To get it on the table even quicker, make the salsa ahead. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Strawberry, Cucumber & Honeydew SaladStrawberries and cucumbers together—I just love this combination! We used to eat a lot of cucumbers growing up in upstate New York. We'd get them, along with strawberries and melons, from fruit and veggie stands to make this sweet and tangy salad. —Melissa Mccabe, Long Beach, California
Mint-Cucumber Tomato SandwichesI jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family's tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
Chopped Garden SaladThis recipe is always requested by my children for their birthday meal or any other get-together. The flavor combination is so yummy.—Anna Sutherland, Camp, Arkansas
Dill Garden SaladI love to cut up whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand and toss them with this delicious dressing and fresh dill. This salad shows up on our table regularly during the summer. —Bethany Martin, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
