Orchard Park Community Education, Orchard Park High School

$18. Fee includes samples and handout. Click here for registration info.

Optional lab fee: $4 for a baggie of herbs for concocting at home.

Once upon a time, humans ate a diverse array of the plants surrounding us-- many of which tasted mildly (or seriously) bitter. The human gastrointestinal tract developed a complex relationship with bitterness, and our bodies greatly benefit from this flavor for healthy functioning.

In this class, Community Herbalist Sarah Sorci will briefly discuss the disappearance of bitterness from American agriculture and diet. We will explore the range of effects that bitterness has on the body, including stimulation of digestive secretions, improved absorption of nutrients and fats, support of healthy blood glucose levels and weight, and more. Sarah will describe the specific properties of some of her favorite bitter herbs, focusing on those that can be cultivated or sustainably wild-harvested in New York State.