Bittering

/ˈbɪt.ər.ɪŋ/ noun

Definition

The process of making something bitter or the addition of bitter substances (especially in brewing); also, substances or herbs added to beverages like beer for bitter flavor.

Etymology

From 'bitter' plus the suffix '-ing' (indicating an action or process). In brewing, 'bittering' specifically refers to using hops or other plants to add bitter compounds to beer.

Kelly Says

Beer's signature bitter taste comes from bittering agents like hops, and brewers carefully calculate 'International Bitterness Units' (IBUs) to balance bitterness against sweetness—it's one of the few foods where we deliberately engineer the unpleasant taste.

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