A little of this, A little of that

Someone said, “There’s no accounting for taste!” However when we’re talking about food there is an accounting. Our tongues can detect five basic tastes: sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and umami. My two favorites are sweet and salty. Sweet salty together are awesome. Some people prefer sour – think sour gumballs, lemons, and sour apples. Sister Barb even liked stolen green apples with salt. She loves homemade sauerkraut, too. Acidity in lemons makes makes food more mouthwatering, cuts through greasy or heavy foods, making a lighter and brighter taste.

Sweet – think desserts and candy. Many people have a “sweet tooth,” especially children and most chocolate lovers. Remember, bitter chocolate is healthier even if you can’t stand it. Sweetness can counter bitter and sour flavors and balance the heat of a spicy meal.

Salt helps to maintain muscle and fluid balances and enhances almost any food. It used to be traded at great value because it preserves food. Our bodies crave salt when we are tired or dehydrated. Think about cold pizza for breakfast after a night out. Who likes popcorn or potato chips without any salt?

Bitterness gets a bad rap because our taste buds are most sensitive to it. Think grapefruit or dark greens. Sweetness helps alleviate it. Think grapefruit with sugar. Of course, It really can’t be considered a diet food at that point.

Umami is the most elusive flavor. It is found in savory foods like soy sauce, mushrooms and aged cheeses. According to Chinese medicine, it means a craving for peace and stability. I guess that is what any of us consider comfort food whether it means mac and cheese or mashed potatoes and gravy or a pint of ice cream, or a box of chocolates. I have a variety of comfort foods so I never get tired of them. I wonder what your comfort foods are…

I am dreaming of a trip to Disneyland. My husband would rather poke himself with a stick in his eye than travel. However, this man has no taste buds at all and eats foods sealed securely in Saran Wrap out of the garbage can that I consider too old to eat!

When I comment about it, he says he is practicing to be homeless. I am speechless.

Since a trip anywhere is out of the question, I will make myself some comfort food!