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Old September 13, 2012   #10
greentiger87
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Houston, TX - 9a
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Varieties described as Japanese or Chinese, long, skinny and pendulous, are usually much less bitter, even when overripe. But.. Ichiban is one of those... people usually rave about it being very mild and resistant to bitterness.

"Oriental" varieties I've had luck with - Ma-Zu, Millionaire, Orient Express, Ping Tung

Others - Calliope, Green Goddess, Amethyst

With the American and Italian varieties, you just have to pick them earlier than you think you should.

The bitterness is now thought to be primarily phenolic compounds, like chlorogenic acids and free caffeic acid. Alkaloids are also possible contributors though. Extreme conditions in either direction can cause an increase in bitterness, but the tolerance for heat/dryness is much higher than the tolerance for cold and excess moisture.

In pots, one thing that seems to cause problems is overheated roots - especially in black nursery pots. Try fabric pots, name brand or diy, or find a way to shade both the outside of the container and the surface of the soil from the sun. A plywood box will work, as will any kind of opaque cloth.
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