The sense of taste works through small molecules that are released when you chew or drink, and are received by taste receptor cells.
Do you feel that you do not taste the same food flavor every time? Learn about some of the factors that can cause a change in the taste of food.
In a report published by the Spanish magazine “Mejor Con Salud”, the writer Leonardo Piolato said that many factors can make up a good dish, and can change the flavor of food, indicating that these factors are not only the excellent recipe, but also the method of presentation, quantity and freshness of the ingredients. Even the environment matters when it comes to tasting a good dish.
According to the author; Maintaining the authenticity and great flavor of each dish is a big challenge; Chefs and all staff responsible for preparation in restaurants must consider the various factors that affect the preparation and preparation of dishes at the table, and the same is true in home kitchens.
For this reason; Being a good chef is not enough to enjoy eating, although there are preparation techniques to avoid changing the flavors of food, there are also factors that influence or influence the perception of taste.
How does the sense of taste work?
The author explains that the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders in Spain confirmed that the sense of taste works through small molecules that are released when chewing or drinking, and received by taste receptor cells; These receptors are found in about 10,000 taste buds, and they are found mainly on the tongue and also in the throat and mouth.
After stimulating the taste buds, these receptors send a message to the brain; Flavors are identified, while there may be internal or external problems during this process.
Internal disturbances that alter taste
The writer shows that taste is one of the five senses, and the tongue – thanks to the taste buds connected to the brain – produces different flavors – salty, sweet, bitter and sour – among other flavors – and taste disturbance usually occurs due to gastro-intestinal reflux, or by changing the salivary glands, poor dental hygiene, or Sinusitis. The taste is not completely lost, but it does deteriorate, making the food taste unpleasant.
External factors that change the taste of food
The writer reveals that besides the internal conditions of taste and smell; There are factors outside of these senses that are able to modify how we perceive food:
1- Sensory properties of food
Sensory characteristics refer to the traits that distinguish one food from another; It is about what can be perceived with the senses, and this gives us information about what we will perceive. in addition to; Taste, smell, texture, temperature and color are essential when eating food.
At this point, the popular saying “the eye eats before the mouth” applies. In this way, the shape of the dish affects how its flavour is perceived, so the importance of ensuring a good presentation of the dish is not only aesthetic.
2- Cooking method
The writer argues that food can be cooked in many ways, and each will have an effect on its taste; For this reason, the taste of mashed potatoes may differ from that of fried or baked potatoes, and the type of cooking also changes other sensory characteristics such as color and texture.
This point is sensitive when eating meat, there are those who prefer it roasted very much, not only for the taste but also so as not to see the blood.
3- medicine
One of the most overlooked reasons for changing the flavor of food is taking medication, and exposure to certain chemicals — such as those in antibiotics and antihistamines — can alter the perception of flavors, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
4- Taste disturbance due to COVID-19
One of the types of taste and smell disorders that we have become aware of in recent years is caused by COVID-19. This virus was a common neurological symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
5- Aging
The author reports that taste buds tend to shrink after age 50; For this reason, some people have reported feeling changes in their sense of taste as they age.
However; Taste may also be affected by the presence of other diseases, which are more common with age and with medication.
So if you have guests at home or want to prepare a special dish for the whole family to enjoy, it is essential to pay attention to the details of the meal.
