London - When the air hostess asks if you fancy a drink, try a Bloody Mary.
Scientists believe the vodka and tomato juice cocktail tastes even better in the air than on the ground. The dash of Worcestershire sauce tickles nerve endings in the nose to enhance the smell, on which much of our sense of taste is based.
The theory comes from Barry Smith, founder of the Centre for the Study of the Senses at the University of London. He says the incessant droning noise in the cabin can affect our ability to taste flavours. Tomato juice, he argues, is one of the few that can still be savoured.
Writing in the journal Flavour he says: “My suggestion is that tomatoes are full of umami – a flavour enhancer.”
Umami, “the fifth taste”, is the meaty, savoury flavour of mushrooms, parmesan cheese and anchovies. Other studies show we find it harder to perceive sweetness and saltiness when there is loud background noise.
But, Smith says the properties in champagne may make it the tastiest in-flight drink. – Daily Mail