How to compensate for diminished taste when cooking?
I have a condition known as hyposmia, or a diminished sense of smell. For instance, I cannot smell flowers unless I am within 1" or so of the centers, but I can smell bacon a mile away (Who can't?), and the perfume counter is a reek of alcohol that is overwhelming.
I also really enjoy cooking, but I am no better than a recipe follower as the sense of smell also affects and diminishes my sense of taste. As a result, any time I deviate or create on my own, the result is usually reported to be heavily under or over seasoned, even though it tastes good to me.
Are there known techniques to compensate for hyposmia and altered taste when cooking? (I read about a known chef who has no sense of taste, but the name escapes me).
Best Answer
I'd say experience will be your best help in the long run.
Use known recipes, quantities and ingredients. Err on the side of blandness; better have people add salt/pepper/hotsauce than spit it out because you over did it.
Try to have someone with you when you try out new recipes or ingredients so they can help you gage the taste and smell so you can adjust the ingredients.
Good luck.
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How do you make tasteless food tasty?
Experiment with different foods Plus, certain foods, such as sour and tart foods, can enhance and stimulate the taste buds. In this case, adding more citrus flavors (think lemon, orange, lime) may help. Also, certain spices, herbs, vinegars, and seasonings may help boost the taste of your meal ( 6 , 7 ).What enhances the taste of food?
Use red, green and yellow peppers of all varieties \u2014 sweet, hot and dried. Or, add a dash of hot pepper sauce. Add a tangy taste with citrus juice or grated citrus peel: lemon, lime or orange. Acidic ingredients help lift and balance flavor.How do I balance my flavor?
Adding something sweet (such as a pinch of sugar) or sour (such as a splash of citrus juice or vinegar) may downplay the saltiness. If it's a soup or a stew, you can try to neutralize the flavor by adding water or unsalted stock, but keep in mind that this may also affect the consistency of the dish.Why does my food lack flavor?
Taste bud changes can occur naturally as we age or may be caused by an underlying medical condition. Viral and bacterial illnesses of the upper respiratory system are a common cause of loss of taste. In addition, many commonly prescribed medications can also lead to a change in the function of the taste buds.Tips For Developing Your Flavor Palate [The 5 Tastes]
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