The Sexy History of Bitters: From the Bar to Your Ayurvedic Kitchen
In Podcast, Pro-Healer
Learn the story behind the bitters revolution in modern cocktail culture — and see exactly what that has to do with Ayurveda — as two Yoga teachers and friends from New Orleans discuss the uses for bitters as part of a healthy, modern lifestyle. Bitters have exploded in the last decade, not only in the cocktail world but also as a tool for your Ayurvedic kitchen. Understand where bitters come from, how to use them, and how to consume them from an Ayurvedic perspective.
What you’ll get out of tuning in:
- Learn how bitters are used in Ayurveda
- Discover how to make your own bitters
- See how bitters are used as medicines and flavorings
Links:
Show Highlights:
- 4:40—Sharon shares the story of Antoine Peychaud and how bitters made their transition from the pharmacy to the cocktail scene in New Orleans’ French Quarter. She discusses how the use of bitters has been revived today, not only in mixology but also in the realm of healthy living.
- 7:15—Brooke asks Sharon to explain how bitters are actually made and how to best consume the bitter taste in your diet.
- 9:30—Sharon discusses the cultural primer that exists around avoiding the bitter taste.
- 13:20—Learn more about the best bitters for each dosha and how to make your own bitters at home.
- 16:30—Sharon answers the question of whether or not you can take bitters year-round.
- 21:00—Sharon and Brooke discuss the variety of ways to consume bitters and how to experiment with them in the kitchen.
Favorite Quotes:
- “Ayurveda says that what you eat and what you consume — the tastes you put on your tongue — are your medicine.” –Sharon Seyna
- “The least-consumed taste in the Standard American Diet is the bitter taste. It’s important to consume this flavor for so many reasons… It’s going to stoke the digestive fire, your agni. It’s going to prime your palate and stimulate your salivary glands.” –Sharon Seyna
- “Bitters aren’t a substitute for a well-balanced diet. They’re an enhancement to one.” –Sharon Seyna
- “For someone who is aspiring toward a healthy lifestyle, who needs a little help training their palate to consume different tastes, bitters would be a nice way for them to ease into that.” –Sharon Seyna
- “One of the wonderful things about bitters is that they spark your imagination. They round out flavors and make you taste flavors you often would not realize you’re missing.” –Sharon Seyna
Guest BIO:
Sharon Seyna’s misadventures in bartending led her into an in-depth study not only of Ayurveda, Yoga, Space, and Time but also of her Self.With fortitude and creativity, she forged a new relationship with alcohol and the medicines made possible with this ubiquitous substance. While calling New Orleans home, let’s agree that this was no easy feat! You can go on a bitters bender with Sharon at Bartanica.
