In a message dated 6/00 1:21:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time, cpd@world.std.com writes: << Bitter is as far beyond > sour as pluto is beyond mercury. I can't think of a single food item I > would categorize as truly bitter. bit·ter Pronunciation: 'bi-t&r Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Old English biter; akin to Old High German bittar bitter, Old English bItan Date: before 12th century 1 a : being or inducing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is peculiarly acrid, astringent, or disagreeable and suggestive of an infusion of hops -- compare SALT, SOUR, SWEET The commercial hop (Humulus lupulus), native to Eurasia, is grown for the conelike female flowers, called hops, used to impart a bitter flavor to beer. Quinine is bitter and is used in a soft drink known as tonic, which is often mixed with alcoholic beverages. Excessive use may cause cinchonism, a condition characterized by ringing of the ears, dizziness, and headache. Caffeine is slightly bitter. bitter cress: any of a genus (Cardamine) of cruciferous herbs that produce flat pods and wingless seeds Arugula anyone? Dandelion greens? Oh well, don't be bitter. Garreth