When tasting food, it's easy to tell if it tastes good or not, but have you ever stopped thinking about how we feel these tastes? Our tongue has the so-called “taste buds” (there’s about 7,500 and 12,000 of it). They are responsible for the perception and definition of food taste.
It is now well accepted that our tongue perceives five different tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami. And in fact, these tastes are perceived throughout the language, not just in specific areas as was once thought.
Umami means "tasty and pleasant taste". It is felt on the tongue when we eat foods that contain amino acids (protein-forming components), and it was discovered over 100 years ago in Japan but was only accepted as a fifth flavor in the year 2000. We can feel it in many foods, such as milk, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, fish, mushrooms and meat.
It is important to emphasize that “taste” and “flavor” are different things. Taste refers only to the sense of taste on the tongue. It would be something like tasting food by holding your nose. Flavor, on the other hand, includes the combination of taste and smell of food. Take the test at home! For your next snack, try holding your nose on the first bite and compare it to a normal bite.
Flavors are of great importance in food and gastronomy. People have always tried food combinations to find the best flavors, those that positively stimulate our senses and steal us a smile. Some combinations that seem strange at first glance can be delicious.
Bittersweet cuisine, for example.
The balanced combination of sour and sweet flavors in the same food emerged in the Orient and became popular in kitchens worldwide. It is a highly appreciated combination of German and Asian cuisine. And before you grimace at this idea, remember that ketchup is a bittersweet sauce.
Bittersweetness is used to spice up meat, fish, salads and many other recipes. This combination also has health benefits, as the nutrients in foods complement each other, creating a rich and balanced diet.
Like our Potybá Sauce, a bittersweet sauce made from native Brazilian fruits.
Curious? Take a look at our website or our social networks! We take Brazilian fruit flavors in the form of sauce to your home. Order now!
References:
Taste Perception and Integration - https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100295-7.00004-9
Taste perception in humans - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10833/
O que é Umami? - https://www.portalumami.com.br/o-que-e-umami/
Sensação de gosto é causada por substâncias específicas - https://www.portalumami.com.br/2018/06/sensacao-de-gosto-e-causada-por-substancias-especificas/#:~:text=Azedo%3A%20os%20canais%20sens%C3%ADveis%20das,%E2%80%93%20quanto%20maior%2C%20mais%20azedo
Combinações improváveis (e deliciosas) de alimentos - https://blog.superandreazza.com.br/combinacoes-improvaveis-e-deliciosas-de-alimentos/
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