Sour Taste

This week, we are continuing our overview of the 6 tastes, focusing specifically on the sour taste, it’s various qualities, the role it plays in the digestive process, as well as the effects it has on our physiology and our psychology.

The sour taste is made up of the earth and fire elements. It is heating and its qualities are liquid, light, hot and moist. The sour taste helps bring balance to those whose constitutions are predominant in the elements of ether and air, while potentially aggravating those who have more of the fire, water and earth elements.

Some examples of “sour” foods:

• Fruits – citrus, grapefruit, lemon, green grapes and apples, cranberries, unripe mangoes
• Dairy – sour cream, yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, cheese
• Spices & Supplements – Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), hibiscus, rose hips, tamarind
• Vegetables – pickles, rhubarb, tomatoes, mustard greens
• Fermented Foods – vinegar, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, wine, beer, alcohol, soy sauce

The sour taste is the 2nd taste that we want to consume in a meal as it encourages the secretion of hydrochloric acid, digestive juices and enzymes into the stomach.

When we eat something sour, our mouth will pucker and start to salivate. The front of our tongue also has taste receptors on both sides which send a message to the lungs for the body to begin creating more bronchial secretions.

When used moderately, the sour taste stimulates appetite, metabolism, secretions and digestion. It causes salivation, relieves thirst, helps circulation and elimination. It energizes the body, strengthens the heart, promotes proper liver function and helps extract minerals such as iron from food.

In excess, however, it can increase thirst, sensitivity of the teeth, create inflammatory conditions, skin rashes, acne, eczema and psoriasis. It can also promote heartburn, acid indigestion, gastritis and ulcers. In addition, over-intake of sour foods may cause diarrhea, anemia, edema, wet coughs and lead to pulmonary congestion.

Psychologically, sour taste brings appreciation, recognition, comprehension and discrimination. Sour is sharp and enhances the mind, making it more alert and attentive. In excess, however, it can induce judgement, criticism, jealousy and hate. Too much sour taste can agitate the mind, making it hyperactive and critical. When a relationship ends, for example, there is often a “sour taste” in the mouth, which is a sign of judgement and rejection.

 Each particular taste feeds our mind, body, senses, and spirit in its own unique way depending upon our individual constitution. Having a balance of the 6 tastes in our diet creates harmony and doesn’t need to be a daunting task. We can start with small steps, such as adding a squeeze of lemon to cooked dishes, for example. This will quickly and easily satisfy the sour taste.

 Stay tuned for more upcoming blogs as we continue with our series on taste. 

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