savory taste crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving the 'savory taste crossword' clue. Dive into detailed answers and insights to help you complete your puzzle!
Solutions for "savory taste crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
UMAMI: The fifth basic taste, often described as savory or meaty, distinct from sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. It's frequently found in aged cheeses, mushrooms, and broths.
More About "savory taste crossword"
The term "savory taste" in crosswords almost universally points to UMAMI. Discovered and scientifically identified by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda in 1908, Umami is a fundamental taste that significantly enhances the palatability of food. It's not just a flavor but a taste sensation that signals the presence of proteins, specifically amino acids like glutamate, in our food. This makes it a crucial element in many cuisines worldwide.
While often described as "meaty," umami is also present in many plant-based foods, such as tomatoes, asparagus, and especially mushrooms. Fermented products like soy sauce and Parmesan cheese are also rich in umami. Understanding this specific taste helps not only in solving crosswords but also in appreciating the complexity of flavors in cooking and nutrition.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Beyond the Obvious: For descriptive clues like "savory taste," consider scientific or foreign terms that precisely fit the description, rather than just common synonyms.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the clue's requirement for letter count with potential answers. This is often the quickest way to eliminate possibilities.
- Context is Key: If stuck, look at surrounding letters or already filled-in words in the crossword. They can provide vital clues about the specific word intended by the puzzle setter.
- Familiarize Yourself with Common Crossword Tropes: Many crosswords reuse certain concepts or types of answers. "Savory taste" leading to UMAMI is a classic example of a specific knowledge clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is 'umami' as a taste?
Umami, often translated as "savory," is one of the five basic tastes, alongside sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and saltiness. It's a rich, meaty, or brothy flavor, primarily detected through glutamate receptors on the tongue. Foods rich in umami include mushrooms, aged cheeses, tomatoes, and cured meats.
Why is 'savory taste' a common crossword clue?
Clues like 'savory taste' are popular in crosswords because they require knowledge of specific culinary and scientific terms (like 'umami') which might not be immediately obvious. It tests a solver's vocabulary beyond common definitions and encourages them to think about less conventional answers for common concepts.
Are there other 'taste'-related words often used in crosswords?
Yes, crosswords frequently use clues related to the five basic tastes (SWEET, SOUR, BITTER, SALTY, UMAMI). Other descriptive words like TANGY, ZESTY, SPICY, or BLAND also appear. Clues might refer to the sensation itself or to things that possess these qualities (e.g., 'sour fruit' or 'salty snack').