The five basic flavors that humans can experience are sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and savory. For a very long time, we have believed that the tongue was divided into different sections that would pick up on the different flavors. Now, scientists have figured out that the whole tongue can taste all five flavors. Flavors like salt and sugar signal to the brain that they are more calorie or nutrient dense, while the more bitter or sour flavors tend to remind us of foods that have spoiled. So, what is it about combining sweet and salty that makes it so delicious?
Layers of Flavor
The magic of the sweet and salty combination all comes down to the layering of the flavors: by combining the deliciousness of two of the main tastes, it creates a flavor that is more powerful than either of the single flavors by themselves. Our bodies have no method of storing sodium, yet we need it to function. Mother nature’s answer to this was to make sure we all had a salt craving all the time. When we eat sweet foods, our brains think that the sweetness means calories, and the calories mean more energy. When these two biological responses happen at the same time, it can make us feel very happy.
Activating Taste Receptors
Not only do salt and sugar have their own flavors, they also help to enhance other flavors. Just a bit of salt with something sweet will enhance the sweetness, but too much salt and it will be ruined. For example, sprinkling a little salt on watermelon is delicious, but if you put on too much it’s just not good anymore. If something really tastes super salty, that can activate bitter taste receptors and cause a “yuck” reaction.
Wockenfuss’ Sweet and Salty Treats
Chocolate pretzels– These treats are perfect for any chocolate lover! We’ve taken salty pretzels and dipped them in chocolate for the perfect salty and sweet snack. Choose from quarter-pound bags of milk chocolate or dark chocolate. If you can’t decide, get a mixed bag! If you’re not a huge chocolate fan but still crave some sweet and salty goodness, try our white chocolate pretzels!
Milk chocolate covered peanuts– Whole peanuts that have been dipped in our very own milk chocolate. Available in bulk for the package size of your choice.
A Wide Selection of Treats from Wockenfuss Candies
Head to WockenfussCandies.com and browse our wide selection of chocolates and candies; we promise you will not be disappointed! Wockenfuss Candies is one of the oldest candy makers in Baltimore. We opened our doors in 1915 and have proudly served the people of Baltimore ever since. If you have any questions about our Wide Selection of Chocolates, please contact Wockenfuss Candies by calling 1-800-296-4414 or email info@Wockenfusscandies.com. When you’re not savoring our sweets, stay satisfied by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest!