How Scent Affects Perception:
The Hidden Connection Between Food and Smell
Did you know that up to 80% of our taste actually comes from our sense of smell? Our sense of smell has a lot to do with why food tastes good—the smell of sizzling bacon, the hint of herbs in grandma’s homemade sauce, the bite of spice in curry—our nose catches it all. Some perfume companies are well aware of this phenomenon, or at least that’s what some online customers implied when they left a Dossier review. But how do taste and scent really affect each other? Let’s dive into the wonderful world of scent to explore how it affects our food.
Smell is Key to Tasting
Our sense of smell plays a sizeable role in our tasting process. Our nose works to give us the wonderful smells wafting from the grill or kitchen, which then makes our food taste even more delicious. Without our sense of smell, our food wouldn’t have a taste. This brings us to the second point.
Why Food Tastes Bland When You’re Sick
If you’ve ever had a seriously stuffy nose, you already know that food can taste really bland when you’re sick. That’s largely because when you chew on your food, the aromas from your mouth travel to your nose, giving way for the taste. This happens during exhalation, but you can also call the process retronasal olfaction if you want to be technical. When your nose is congested, all those yummy aromas have nowhere to go.
How Smell and Taste Work Together
Our senses stick together like glue. Certain smells and flavors make others stronger or weaker. Vanilla, for example, can make food taste sweeter, while lemon can enhance sour flavors. This is known as cross-modal interaction.
Pairing Aromas with Tastes
Aroma-taste synergy is a fun tool chefs can use to create memorable and delicious dishes. Studies show that pairing food and scent combinations increases overall flavor preferences. For example, pairing cream with strawberries makes the flavors taste more likable and intense because the aroma of both complement one another.
The Impact of Losing Your Sense of Smell
Without our nose, aka anosmia, food would taste more bland. Those pleasant aromas we smell actually make our food taste better! This really shows how big of an influence our nose has on taste.
How Our Brain Mixes Smell and Taste
Our brains are pretty amazing when it comes to smell and taste. There is a section of the brain (orbitofrontal cortex) that takes our taste buds and nose, and essentially makes food taste great—even better when you throw in some BBQ sauce or ranch.
Adding a Touch of Luxury and Health
Surrounding ourselves with delicious scents makes everything a little more special. Whether it’s the smell of a tasty dinner or a bottle of fancy perfume, scents elevate any moment. Of course, smell is also closely associated with our well-being. It affects everything from digestion to mood. Aromatherapy takes advantage of fragrance to help the body heal, much like how certain food aromas can help us relax and reduce stress.
Sensory Journeys
Trying a new fragrance is like tasting a new dish—it’s a sensory journey. Both involve exploring complex scents and flavors that delight our senses. Just like a well-prepared meal can take you places, a good fragrance can, too.
Conclusion
Our nose can help us encourage an awesome meal and remember an amazing memory. When it’s a warm day, take your dinner outside. Light up the some BBQ and enjoy the amazing scent phenomenon that’s about to happen!
