One of the best-known bitters is gentian . When a group of German researchers studied bitters , they found that gentian , combined in a formula with small amounts of cayenne and ginger , cured most cases of general indigestion. You may have already tried gentian without realizing it. It is the main ingredient in the cocktail flavoring Angostura Bitters. Campari and vermouth also owe their flavor to herbal bitters .
Bitters enjoy a rather limited popularity in North America, but are quite popular in Europe.
Herbal aperitifs, such as the elecampane cordial, are still used to kick off the evening meal in many northern European homes. Greeks dine daily on horta , a bitter mix of chicory and dandelion greens sprinkled with olive oil. The French and Italians are certainly no strangers to bitter herbs. Even today, many families enjoy steamed or fried greens such as dandelion every day. In Germany gentian 's distant relative, centaury, is used to make a popular bitter drink.