Fat needs its place alongside the basic tastes of sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami because it evokes unique sensations, US researchers said in a new study.
The sixth flavor should be known as "oleogustus," a combination of oily and taste in Latin, according to Purdue University scientists who published their study in the journal Chemical Senses.
"The taste component of fat is often described as bitter or sour because it is unpleasant, but new evidence reveals fatty acids evoke a unique sensation satisfying another element of the criteria for what constitutes a basic taste," said Richard Mattes, a professor of science and nutrition.
In their study, researchers asked participants to organize foods according to basic tastes. The testers determined that fat was unique and different from other tastes.
Mattes pointed out that in high doses the taste of fat is unpleasant and can seem rancid.
"At the same time, low concentrations of fatty acids in food may add to their appeal just like unpleasant bitter chemicals can enhance the pleasantness of foods like chocolate, coffee and wine," Mattes said.
Moving fat into a taste category of its own could help the food industry produce better substitutes for the flavor, researchers said.
GMT 20:01 2017 Wednesday ,09 August
Hormone shows promise for treating neurodegenerative conditionsGMT 14:24 2017 Tuesday ,11 July
'Annihilation' of Earth's species under way: studyGMT 10:48 2017 Monday ,19 June
Octopus inspires S. Korea 'breakthrough' adhesive patchGMT 21:23 2017 Saturday ,22 April
Second International Scientific Conference Starts at QNCCGMT 21:20 2017 Saturday ,22 April
Second International Scientific Conference Starts at QNCCGMT 10:02 2017 Friday ,21 April
Naked mole-rats can survive near-suffocationGMT 12:28 2017 Saturday ,15 April
New sonic blast shrimp named after Pink FloydGMT 14:47 2017 Tuesday ,21 March
New Zealand parrot has 'infectious laugh'Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor