Tag: Bitter flavor

The genus name for the common dandelion, *Taraxacum*, is derived from a Persian word for “bitter herb”. This etymology offers a direct clue into the plant's defining characteristic and its long history as a medicinal botanical. Dandelions are indeed bitter, with this flavor profile varying depending on the specific part of the plant and its maturity.

Containing tannins that cause a drying and puckering sensation in the mouth, witch hazel is overwhelmingly bitter and astringent, not a pleasant flavor at all. So, does witch hazel taste good? The answer is a definitive no, and for most common applications, it is not meant for internal consumption.

While commonly associated with energy drinks, taurine is an amino acid-like compound naturally present in the body and various foods like meat and fish. The question, "What is the flavor of taurine?" reveals a surprising complexity beyond its beverage associations, as pure taurine powder actually has a slightly bitter or sometimes neutral taste depending on the source.