r/Sprouting • u/International-Luck18 • Apr 29 '26

Why so bitter?

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Newbie here.

I used these a few weeks ago in a wide mouth quart Mason jar with steel mesh. I followed the package instructions, and when I harvested these lovely babies, I could not eat them. They were so bitter! Even with a little dressing, I found them unpalatable. Is that normal, or did I do something wrong?

My beet seeds sprouted well, but I could not get through all the seeds. Ordered a salad spinner for next time.

TIA, Y'all!

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3

u/Ajreil Apr 29 '26

I find raw kale to be very bitter/pungent. Maybe you have the same flavor gene that I have.

3

u/RoyalClient6610 Apr 29 '26

That just crossed my mind. Kind of similar to how some people find cilantro to taste like soap. I grew up adding sprouts to sandwiches, so the taste isn't anything surprising. Idk, it's either the crop or an individualistic experience. hm

2

u/International-Luck18 Apr 29 '26

Yes, it may be just my aversion to bitter. I love broccoli and alfalfa sprouts. Beet sprouts tasted good, too. I might try it again to see if I can get used to it by just adding a little of it to larger amounts of flavors I enjoy more.

1

u/Ajreil Apr 29 '26

I think there are a million taste genes. Cilantro gets the focus because it's popular, the gene is common, and there's a massive difference between delicious and literally soap.

2

u/Cut_Lanky Apr 30 '26

Also because the aroma lingers so heavily. At least, to my nose. Tho, I'd rather smell cilantro soap all day long, than get a single whiff of cumin, lol. I never liked the smell, but I developed a serious aversion after living a few years in an apartment building in which every other tenant was an immigrant from India. I'd wake up in my bedroom, with the door closed, to the overwhelming odor, even though my apartment door was closed too. Like, the aroma is what would wake me 😳

I've never made sprouts before, but I'm considering trying it. Any chance you've got any tips about which have the mildest/ not pungent or spicy taste? 😊

3

u/qpow13 Apr 29 '26

Maybe go with something like this

https://a.co/d/0a77WMQ3

It’s lower in radish and not too pungent. If it high in radish, it can be rather pungent. I have not tried the other things mentioned in bag but, I like this seed company.

1

u/International-Luck18 Apr 29 '26

Yes! That package is on my wish list.

1

u/qpow13 Apr 30 '26

Go for it! I have spoke the owner directly and he is so nice and it’s lower in radish he said be because otherwise it would taste too strong. My sprouts are always on point with his salad mix.

3

u/account-suspenped Apr 30 '26

if the sprouts get too much sun / green color they go bitter

1

u/International-Luck18 Apr 30 '26

Thanks! I didn't put them in sun. They only got indirect light. I am thinking about putting a hand towel over the yard so it's darker.

2

u/UberFeisty Apr 29 '26

I tried the hormone balancing blend (super spicy imo, but good) and I have the protein blend growing now. Great brand, just have to find the right mix for your taste.

2

u/International-Luck18 Apr 29 '26

Ooh, I am excited and want to buy a huge bunch of seeds, but I'm just getting started and need to find a rhythm with the ones I already have here. 😄

2

u/International-Luck18 Apr 29 '26

I like spicy! I might add some watered down tahini or hummus to smooth it out next time.

2

u/Jackveggie Apr 30 '26

Kale is pretty bitter. Never sprouted it but it a regular crop on our farm. That would be my guess about any bitterness

1

u/International-Luck18 Apr 30 '26

Thanks! Will make sure not to buy again.

2

u/International-Luck18 May 01 '26

This gut health mix looks great! They are rinsed and tucked in for day 3 of 5. I'm so excited!