Humans sense five different types of taste sensations, namely sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami (savory). These five taste sensations were key in our evolutionary development since sweet foods have high energy concentration and poisonous chemicals in foods are typically bitter.

To improve the taste of foods, flavor modification has been practiced for centuries with some historical significance. For example, the spice trade during the Middle Ages and the civilizations that sprang up to support…



Premium Content
You've reached your monthly limit of free articles.
Access Food Technology
Log in
Subscribe
Non IFT member / Institutional Login