Help - we're getting too much of the sweet things in life and not enough bitterness! If we lose our palate for bitter foods, we lose the incredible digestive qualities that bitter foods offer. Whilst coffee, beer and dark chocolate qualify as 'bitter' foods, it’s also good to increase our love and consumption of food such as argula, dandelion, dill, kale and chicory. (For a more complete list go to botanical-online.com)

Recipe - Salmon Boats

These crunchy bites of freshness are the perfect way to get some of the benefits of bitter food whilst snacking on something delicious. They're healthy, quick and easy to prepare and also an economical way to serve salmon.

Makes 10-16

Ingredients

2-3 whole chicory
150g cold-smoked salmon
150g crème fraiche
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsps lemon juice & zest of 1 lemon
2 gherkins, diced small
1 tbsp capers
1 tbsp fresh dill sprigs + extra for garnish
salt & white pepper to season
Lemon wedges to serve
Micro herbs to garnish (optional)

Method

1. Separate chicory into individual leaves. Small, tight inner leaves can be shredded.
2. Tear salmon leaves into smaller pieces.
3. In a bowl, whisk together crème fraiche, olive oil, lemon juice and zest until combined. Stir through shredded chicory and salmon and gherkins, capers and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into leaves.
4. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges and microherbs if using.
5. Serve immediately.