Very bitter lettuce?!
Answers: I have been buying lettuce (uncut) from the same supermarket the past few weeks. ALthough it looks great, after I wash it I have to cut around the stem part of the leaves because that part is extremely bitter. Like poison. I have to spit it out its so bad. What could be the reason?
Lettuce has a growth pattern that makes it bitter just before it "bolts", that is, just before it sends out flower shoots. Generally, this is accompanied by a white liquid oozing out of newly cut stems. Complain to your green grocer.
mostly it is a result of not enofe water during the growing season. less rain means there is less water in the plant to delute the bitter tasting componds.
I would try soaking it in water for a little while, that might get rid of the bitterness.