bitter ingredient of absinthe crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "bitter ingredient of absinthe crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find the most accurate and commonly accepted answers, along with explanations to help you complete your puzzle and deepen your knowledge.
Solutions for "bitter ingredient of absinthe crossword clue" by Letter Count
8 Letters
WORMWOOD: A highly bitter herb (Artemisia absinthium) used traditionally as a key botanical in the distillation of absinthe, contributing to its characteristic bitterness and a complex flavour profile. It is the defining bitter component.
More About "bitter ingredient of absinthe crossword clue"
The clue "bitter ingredient of absinthe" almost invariably points to WORMWOOD. This perennial herb, specifically Artemisia absinthium or grand wormwood, is the most crucial and controversial botanical in the traditional production of absinthe. Its leaves and flowers contain absinthin, a potent bitter compound that gives absinthe its distinctive, often intense, bitterness. Beyond its taste, wormwood also contributes to the herbal complexity of the spirit.
Historically, wormwood gained notoriety due to the presence of thujone, a chemical compound believed to cause hallucinogenic effects. While modern research has largely debunked these myths, the association with wormwood contributed to absinthe's mystique and its eventual ban in many countries during the early 20th century. Today, absinthe production is regulated to ensure safe thujone levels, allowing the appreciation of wormwood's unique flavour contribution without the historical anxieties.
Understanding the core components of named substances like absinthe is a common theme in crosswords. When a clue focuses on a specific characteristic, such as "bitter," it helps to narrow down the possible answers to the most prominent element responsible for that trait. In this case, wormwood is unequivocally the primary bitter ingredient.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze keywords: Break down the clue into its most important words. "Bitter" and "ingredient" are key here, guiding you to focus on components known for their bitterness.
- Consider common associations: Some products are strongly associated with a single key component (e.g., coffee with caffeine, absinthe with wormwood). Thinking of these common links can quickly lead to the answer.
- Check word length: Once you have a potential answer like "WORMWOOD," verify its letter count (9 in this case) against the puzzle's required length. This is a crucial step for confirmation.
- Think broadly then narrow down: If you're stuck, think about all possible ingredients for absinthe (anise, fennel, hyssop, etc.), then filter by the "bitter" descriptor.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is absinthe, and what makes it bitter?
Absinthe is a distilled, high-proof alcoholic beverage traditionally made with various botanicals, including grand wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), green anise, and florence fennel. Its characteristic bitterness primarily comes from the wormwood, which contains a compound called absinthin, one of the most bitter substances known.
Is wormwood the only bitter ingredient in absinthe?
While wormwood is the primary source of absinthe's bitterness and is essential to its traditional formulation, other botanicals used in smaller quantities might contribute subtle bitter notes. However, wormwood is definitively the 'bitter ingredient' referred to in crossword clues due to its significant impact on the spirit's flavor profile.
How can identifying key ingredients help solve crossword clues?
Focusing on key descriptive words like 'bitter,' 'ingredient,' or specific product names often narrows down potential answers. For 'bitter ingredient of absinthe,' thinking about the main botanicals and their known properties quickly points to wormwood. This strategy can be applied to many clues involving specific items or concepts.