Could cauli turn bitter?

IT IS bad news for those who already struggle to eat their greens. Scientists have warned they may have to taste more bitter in the future to help control pests.

Vegetables such as cauliflowers are increasingly being developed with reduced bitterness to cater for modern palates that prefer sweetness. But speaking at the Cheltenham Science Festival yesterday, John Pickett, professor of biological chemistry at Cardiff University, said the same chemicals in vegetables that produce bitterness also repels pests. He added: ‘By moving the flavour more on the weaker side... the bugs have an even better time.’

And he warned that while scientists may be able to direct the stronger flavours needed to the cauliflower’s leaves – which are not normally eaten – more pesticide sprays would have to be used to keep bugs under control.