savory taste crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "savory taste crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
UMAMI: The distinct fifth basic taste, often described as savory or meaty, found in foods rich in glutamates like mushrooms or aged cheese.
More About "savory taste crossword clue"
The concept of "savory taste" in crosswords most commonly points to UMAMI, the fifth basic taste alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Discovered by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda in 1908, umami is often described as a pleasant, savory, or 'brothy' taste. It signifies the presence of amino acids, particularly L-glutamate, which are found naturally in many foods.
Foods rich in umami include ripe tomatoes, mushrooms (especially shiitake), Parmesan cheese, cured meats, soy sauce, and seaweed. This taste profile contributes to the deliciousness and 'mouthfeel' of many dishes, making them more satisfying and full-bodied. Understanding umami can be a key to unlocking many crossword clues related to taste and food.
While 'savory' is a broad culinary term often used to describe anything not sweet, umami is the scientific taste receptor that specifically detects that deep, satisfying, meaty or brothy flavor. This nuance is precisely what crossword constructors often exploit to make clues both challenging and rewarding to solve.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For taste clues, think beyond the obvious. 'Savory' might lead to 'UMAMI', but also consider other taste descriptors like 'SALT' or 'ZEST', or even their opposites if the clue is phrased negatively.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters required by the puzzle grid. This is the most crucial filter for potential answers and can quickly narrow down possibilities, especially for words like UMAMI which are very specific in length.
- Look for Context Clues: Sometimes the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can hint at the specific type of 'savory' taste the constructor is looking for. For example, a theme on Japanese cuisine would strongly suggest 'UMAMI'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is umami taste?
Umami is one of the five basic tastes (alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty). It's often described as a savory, meaty, or brothy taste, signaling the presence of amino acids like glutamate. It was first identified in Japan.
What foods are examples of savory tastes?
Many foods are rich in savory (umami) tastes, including mushrooms, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, cured meats, soy sauce, miso, and seaweed. These ingredients are often used to deepen the flavor and add complexity to dishes.
How can understanding taste help with crosswords?
Crossword clues often play on sensory descriptions. Knowing the five basic tastes and their associated words (like 'umami' for savory, 'tart' for sour, 'sweet', 'bitter', 'salty') can help you quickly identify answers for taste-related clues, expanding your vocabulary for such prompts.