Tasty Treats - The Science of Tastebuds

Why does food taste the way it does? Why do some things taste sweet while others taste sour? Why does an apple have a different flavor than a peanut butter sandwich? That explanation is your tastebuds!

Tastebuds are tiny receptors that live on your tongue and send messages to your brain. In the same way that the scent glands in your nose tell your brain what you're smelling, your tastebuds tell your brain what you're tasting. And your tastebuds are incredible! They have the ability to distinguish across 5 separate categories: sweet, salty, sour, savory, and bitter.

Your tongue has different areas it uses to distinguish different flavors. Sweet flavors are processed on the tip of your tongue. Salty flavors register on both sides of the tongue behind the tip. Further back on the sides, sour flavors are registered while bitter flavors are received at the back of the tongue in the middle. The savory flavors take up the center area, allowing for a full array of flavors for your mouth to enjoy.

The Hidden Gem Bistro in the basement of Sticks Stones and Bonez is always serving delicious treats to tickle your tastebuds. Come explore the science of food and see if you can identify all of the flavors you taste!