Taste Stimuli: Chemical and Food

In the lexicon of the consumer, taste refers to the entire sensory experience of a food or beverage. Thus, it includes visual sensation. Is the cola beverage brown like it should be? Are the grapes the right size and without deformities? It also includes auditory sensation. Does the apple crunch when biting into it? Does the carbonated beverage fizz when pouring? And it includes tactile sensation. Is the banana firm or is it soft? Is the milk shake thick and rich, or is it thin and watery? Olfactory sensation is a major contributor to food and beverage perception and is more confused with taste than any of the foregoing. But really, taste is a gustatory sensation. It emanates from specialized sensory cells of the taste ...