Can you still eat lettuce if it tastes bitter?

Generally speaking, whether bitter lettuce can be eaten depends on the specific cause of its bitterness. If discomfort occurs after consumption, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The details are as follows:

Whether bitter lettuce is safe to eat depends on the reason for the bitterness. If the bitterness results from varietal characteristics or environmental factors during growth leading to a small accumulation of bitter compounds, and the outer skin shows no signs of rotting or mold, and the flesh appears firm and odorless when cut open, the bitterness is usually mild. After thoroughly washing, peeling, and removing the more bitter portion near the base, the lettuce can be blanched to reduce some of the bitterness before consumption, which is generally harmless to health.

However, if the lettuce tastes bitter and also has a sticky surface, mold spots, soft and mushy flesh when cut open, or emits a sour, rancid smell, it indicates spoilage. In such cases, the bitterness comes from harmful substances produced by microbial growth, making it unsafe for consumption. Eating spoiled lettuce may easily cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

When purchasing lettuce, inspect its appearance: choose specimens with bright, unblemished skin free of damage or mold. Press the flesh lightly—it should feel firm and elastic. After bringing it home, process it promptly by trimming off the thicker, tougher root end. If slightly bitter, blanch it before cooking. For storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to prevent spoilage due to prolonged storage. Discard immediately if any clear signs of deterioration appear; do not consume.