Description
Basic taste
Technical
Bitterness, also known as bitter, is one of the most sensitive of tastes, and many experience it as unpleasant, sharp, or off-putting, but it is sometimes desirable and intentionally added via various bittering agents. Common bitter foods and drinks include coffee, unsweetened cocoa, South American mate, coca tea, Momordica charantia, unripe olives, citrus peel, some varieties of cheese, many plants in the Brassicaceae family, Taraxacum greens, Marrubium vulgare, wild chicory, and escarole. The ethanol in alcoholic beverages tastes bitter, as do the additional bittering ingredients found in some alcoholic beverages, including hops in beer and gentian in bitters. Quinine is also known for its bitter taste and is found in tonic water.
Science
Primary Reaction
Hydrolysis of glycosides
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
Wine Analogy
Amarone wine's concentrated bitterness
Coffee Analogy
Dark roast espresso's bitter notes
Perfume Analogy
Angelica root in niche perfumery
Culinary Applications
Dietary
Molecular Pairing
Key Compounds Produced