Is Broccoli a Bitter Green? The Science Behind the Flavor
                                
                                
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                                    3 min read                                
                            
                                According to research from the University of Kentucky, having a certain gene variant can make broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables taste intensely bitter. This explains why some people, particularly children, are highly sensitive to the flavor, while others find it to be mild or even sweet. The perception of whether broccoli is a bitter green is largely a matter of genetics and biochemistry.