Bitterness
One of the five basic tastes, sharp and often unwelcome at first, found in coffee, cocoa, hops and many greens.
Also: bitter taste
Bitterness is thought to have evolved as a warning, since many plant poisons taste bitter. Children usually dislike it, and the liking is learned. Many valued foods are bitter: coffee, tea, dark chocolate, beer, citrus peel, olives and leafy greens. Some cuisines give it an honoured place. Bitter gourd is loved in India, China and Okinawa, and a Bengali meal traditionally opens with a bitter dish. Salt and fat both soften bitterness.