When I was a kid my Papa taught me a trick to remove the nasty from a bitter cucumber. When you cut the end off of the cucumber, rub the cut piece in a circular motion on the end of the cucumber. The cucumber will release a white foamy substance. Repeat this on the other end of your cucumber. Peel your cuke and prepare it how you would normally for your dish. I've never had a bitter cucumber that I've done this with. I've also had plenty of cucumbers that were not bitter even though I haven't done said trick. So...I guess I don't know if it's myth or magic...but it seems to work for us. Try it...does it work for you?