Chapter 5 discusses the influence of smell. One influence of smell is the retronasal ordor. It is estimated that 80% of a foods flavor is determined by its retronasal odor. Therefore, if one has anosmia, or the inability to smell, they typically won't be able to taste the food they eat. Many individuals who have anosmia tend to enjoy spicy foods. This is because the spiciness creates a more bold flavor enabling the individual to taste their food better. I am not an individual who has anosmia, but I can relate to this finding when sick. When I am sick, my nasal passages become blocked which then describes why I can't taste anything while being sick. While eating, the foods taste very bland to me. It is an interesting concept, and suprising to know that the other 20% of our food senses must come from actual taste buds. I suppose that is why if food is more spicier, the more the person will be able to taste their food.
Side note: I work at a mexican restuarant and waited on someone a few months ago who told me he lost his sense of smell. I remember him asking for a certain dish "extra spicey". It all make sense now!
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I think that this chapter was one of my favorites because I have never heard of anosmia until I read this chapter. I found it interesting that people with anosmia enjoy spicy foods so that they can taste their food better. I think that having a cold is the closest way to relate to people suffering from anosmia. I can see why people become depressed over this disorder and how it can change their lives. It is a new way of living and eating that they have to adjust to. Great job on this post!
ReplyDeleteJust like Jessica, I have never heard of anosmis either. It was very interesting to me that 80% of a foods flavor is determined by its retronasal odor. I always wondered why when I was sick and my nose was congested why I couldn't taste food and now I know why. I also thought it was interesting that people with anosmis like or favor spicier foods so they could get taste of what they were eating. I couldn't imagine having anosmis because I find myself getting frustrated when I'm sick and can't taste anything so I can't imagine living everyday of my life not being able to taste the food I'm eating.
ReplyDeleteJust like Jessica, I have never heard of anosmis either. It was very interesting to me that 80% of a foods flavor is determined by its retronasal odor. I always wondered why when I was sick and my nose was congested why I couldn't taste food and now I know why. I also thought it was interesting that people with anosmis like or favor spicier foods so they could get taste of what they were eating. I couldn't imagine having anosmis because I find myself getting frustrated when I'm sick and can't taste anything so I can't imagine living everyday of my life not being able to taste the food I'm eating.
ReplyDeleteIt is crazy to believe that "taste buds" really only influence a small fraction of what you really taste. I could not imagine how frustrating it would be to not get any flavor from foods you once enjoyed.
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