Foods can taste sour or bitter because of the chemicals in them and how acidic or basic they are.

Why Do Foods Taste Sour or Bitter?

1. Sourness and Acidity:

   • Some foods are very acidic, which makes them sour. These foods usually have a pH below 7. Here are some examples:
     • Lemons: They have citric acid that gives them a sharp, sour flavor.
     • Vinegar: It has acetic acid and is often used in salad dressings and marinades.
   • Our taste buds can sense these acids. When we eat something sour, our brain gets the message that it’s sour.

2. Bitterness and pH:

   • Bitter flavors usually come from foods that are more basic, which means they have a pH above 7. Some examples are:
     • Coffee: It has certain chemicals that make it taste bitter.
     • Certain vegetables: Like kale or Brussels sprouts, which also have bitter qualities.
   • Bitter tastes are picked up by a different part of our taste system. This can be a warning for our bodies about possible toxins in the food.

What’s the pH Scale?

• The pH scale goes from 0 to 14:
  • 0-6: Acidic (sour)
  • 7: Neutral
  • 8-14: Basic (bitter)

Knowing how pH affects taste can help you make better choices when cooking and picking foods!