Flavor

Flavor is the combined sensory experience of taste and smell that helps us identify and enjoy different foods and beverages. When we eat or drink, molecules from the substances interact with taste buds on our tongue and sensory receptors in our nose. Taste detects basic qualities like sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami, while smell provides more complex information about aroma and subtle nuances. Together, these signals create what we perceive as flavor, which influences our enjoyment and perception of food. Essentially, flavor is a multi-sensory perception that defines the character of what we consume.