Bitter Leaf

Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) is a leafy staple of West African cooking. It’s valued for its bold, bitter flavor and is commonly used in soups and stews.

The leaves are characteristically bitter; cooks often wash or blanch them to reduce bitterness before adding to savory dishes. They pair well with other greens, meats, and grains in hearty soups and stews.

This plant is easy to grow from cuttings. It generally prefers full sun to partial shade, regular moisture, and warm tropical to subtropical conditions. It is sensitive to frost and, over time, will grow into a shrub.

We grow tropical edibles here on our homestead in Richmond Heights, FL and are happy to share simple care tips. Local pickup is available.