Tag: Cooking bitter greens

According to agricultural researchers, the bitterness in lettuce is often caused by a natural compound called lactucarium, which increases as the plant matures or experiences stress. Knowing exactly what type of lettuce tastes bitter, whether by nature or circumstance, can help you choose the right greens for your salad.

According to agricultural studies, high temperatures and inconsistent watering are two of the most common causes for the sharp, unpleasant taste that leads many to ask: "Why do my leafy greens taste bitter?". This is because many leafy vegetables, like lettuce, are cool-season crops that produce bitter compounds when stressed by environmental factors.

Over 45,000 different plant metabolites exist, including the bitter compounds that protect plants from being eaten. The most bitter green is widely recognized as *Andrographis paniculata*, a medicinal herb so potent in flavor it is colloquially known as the "King of Bitters". While not a culinary green found in salads, its intensely bitter leaves are used in traditional medicine, far surpassing the bitterness of vegetables like kale or dandelion greens.

Contrary to popular belief, Italian dandelions are not common weeds but a type of cultivated chicory, widely prized in Mediterranean cooking. So, are Italian dandelions edible? Yes, and they offer a delicious, nutritious addition to your meals, far from the bitter yard varieties.