Dried Gentian Root

It is the dried root of Gentiana lutea, a mountain plant native to central and southern Europe. The root is known for an intensely bitter and persistent taste.

Gentiana lutea supplies strong bitterness to European digestif liqueurs and is also used as a bittering ingredient in products such as Angostura bitters. Its purpose is flavor balance, not sweetness.

It tastes sharply and persistently bitter, with a characteristic root-like aroma. That intensity is why gentian root is normally used in small amounts in bitters, tinctures, and liqueurs.

Gentian root is used in Alpine drinks such as Enzian and in various bitter aperitifs and digestifs. It is generally macerated or extracted rather than sprinkled into food like a mild cooking spice.