Gentian Root

(Gentiana lutea)

Gentian is one of the most intensely bitter plants in the natural world — Gentiana lutea, the great yellow gentian, contains amarogentin and gentiopicrin, iridoid glycosides that rank among the most bitter compounds ever measured, detectable by the human palate at dilutions of 1 part in 12,000. This extraordinary bitterness has made gentian root one of the most prized and widely used botanicals in the history of European herbal tradition and, more recently, in the craft spirits and cocktail world.

Gentiana lutea is a striking, tall perennial native to the alpine and subalpine meadows of central and southern Europe — the Swiss Alps, the Pyrenees, the Apennines, and the Carpathians — where its bold yellow flowers bloom in summer at elevations up to 8,000 feet. The thick, fleshy root has been harvested for centuries and is a foundational ingredient in classic European digestive bitters, aperitifs, and liqueurs, including Angostura bitters, Campari, Suze, Moxie, and Gentiane liqueur. Our Gentian Root is available in both Cut & Sifted and Powder forms.

Product Highlights

• Root of Gentiana lutea — one of the most bitter botanicals known
• Contains amarogentin and gentiopicrin — among the most bitter compounds measurable
• A foundational ingredient in classic European bitters, aperitifs, and digestive liqueurs
• Native to the alpine meadows of central and southern Europe
• Available in Cut & Sifted and Powder forms
• No additives, fillers, or artificial ingredients

How to Use

Cocktail Bitters: A classic bittering agent for homemade cocktail bitters — combine with aromatic botanicals such as orange peel, cardamom, and clove in high-proof alcohol. Aperitifs & Digestifs: Infuse into spirits for homemade aperitif or digestif liqueurs in the tradition of Suze or Campari. Herbal Tea: Steep a small pinch (¼ teaspoon) of cut gentian root in 8 oz of hot water for 5–8 minutes — use sparingly, as the bitterness is intense. Tincture: Use in alcohol-based tincture preparations. Powder: Incorporate into herbal capsule formulations or blended herbal preparations.

Available in Cut & Sifted (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz) and Powder (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz).

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.