The very best. Bitter, sour, sweet, spicy

11.05.2024

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The sweetness of substances and dishes is measured in conventional units - SES. Sucrose is taken as the zero reference point. The list of products that make the palate squeal with joy includes completely unexpected ingredients.

The sweetest vegetables and fruits

There is an opinion in the culinary circle: the sweeter the vegetable, the healthier it is. While this may be debatable, one thing is true: the less watery the fruits and vegetables, the more nutrient-dense they are. The leaders of our sugar TOP are so appetizing that they rarely stay on the shelves.

The sweetest fruit

Dates are considered record holders in the world of natural desserts. The sugar content of small date palm fruits ranges from 50 to 80%. The healing properties and taste of this fruit were known to the ancient Egyptians and the mysterious Assyrians.

The prophets who settled on the pages of the Bible and the Koran saved themselves from hunger by eating dried fruits. Despite the huge SES level, dates are low in calories and even become the basis of special diets. They contain a wide range of amino acids, vitamins B and P. The sweetest fruit promotes easy childbirth, relieves kidney stones, but is completely unsuitable for diabetics and people suffering from obesity.

The sweetest tomatoes

Although the sugar content of tomatoes is relatively low (2.6 grams per 100 grams of total weight), they have a rich, sweet taste and pleasant aroma. In search of the perfect golden apple, Professor Harry Klee from the University of Florida analyzed the chemical composition of different varieties of tomatoes. He identified a dozen compounds that determine the intensity of aroma and another 12 that are responsible for sweetness, discovering the secret to the harmony of taste, color and smell.

The sweetest varieties of tomatoes are the hybrid “Master Garden F1”, the purple “Chernomor” and the fleshy “Orange Giant”. These sugar vegetables are a powerful antioxidant, prevent the formation of blood clots and even increase potency.

The sweetest pumpkins

The undisputed leader in sugar accumulation is pumpkin. It contains up to 32% sugar - about the same as the best varieties of wine grapes. Orange “bellied” is rich in vitamin C, which is responsible for immunity, and B vitamins, necessary for the beauty of hair, nails and skin. Thanks to carnitine, which is rarely found in vegetables, pumpkin promotes the formation of a muscle corset and fights obesity. Although the sweetest varieties grow in Asia, there are worthy specimens in our area. For example, nutmeg, candied, marble and Arbat pumpkins contain more than 12% sugar. “Volzhskaya Gray 92” will be even tastier, because the sugar level in it exceeds 16%.

Sugar garlic

It’s hard to believe, but in terms of sugar levels, aromatic melons and sugar beets are far from garlic. This “smelly friend” contains up to 27% polysaccharides, including glucose, sucrose, inulin and fructose. White cloves would probably be sweeter than honey, if not for the essential oil that gives them a sharp taste and a peculiar smell. Garlic, known to our ancestors, is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics. It treats colds, disinfects wounds and strengthens the heart muscle. The healthiest people live in Korea and Italy: they consume up to 12 cloves of garlic per day. The “sugar” vegetable also has its contraindications. It is undesirable for nursing mothers, ulcer sufferers and people with kidney problems.

The list of molasses-sweet fruits and vegetables could be endless. Sugar apple from Thailand, pineapple, persimmon, tamarind, quiche, black carrots and artichokes have settled here.

What else is included in the TOP sweetest foods?

In order to calculate the effect of sugar on the human body, scientists came up with another concept - the glycemic index. Thanks to it, you can calculate how the body reacts to pure glucose. What food instantly increases blood sugar and is itself sweet?

Corn syrup

Researchers from the University of California have found that sugary foods can lead to weakened nerve connections and deterioration of brain function. After feeding one group of experimental rats corn syrup rich in fructose, they sent them to find a way out of the labyrinth.

The animals, who had already left the Minotaur’s lair more than once, darted madly through the passages, but were unable to escape. But their brothers, who had not tasted the sugary nectar, easily went outside. Corn syrup is several times sweeter than sugar and much more dangerous. It is one of the reasons for the excessive obesity of Americans: per year they absorb up to 17 liters of cheap sweetener.

Honey

According to ancient myths, even the Greek gods respected honey, consuming tons of ambrosia. And ancient Russian recipes indicated it as a panacea for all diseases. Although the beekeeping product is very high in calories, it is much healthier and sweeter than sugar. For example, acacia honey contains more than 40% fructose and 36% glucose. It contains enzymes necessary for the body, B vitamins and ascorbic acid. Honey can speed up the restoration of damaged tissues, improve digestion, normalize sleep, improve immunity and even prevent the occurrence of sclerosis. But, like any sweet, it has its contraindications: it is not suitable for allergy sufferers and diabetics.

Is there really any product that breaks all records for sugar content?

The sweetest substance in the world

In 2010, NutraSweet invented a new nutritional supplement, neotame, which is 13,000 times more sweet than sugar. But we are for naturalness, so stevia becomes the leader in our ranking of the sweetest products. This perennial plant, used by American Indians thousands of years ago, is 300 times sweeter than sugar. In 1903, the Swiss Bertoni, having examined a green bush received as a gift, found out that stevia leaves can be used as a natural, calorie-free sweetener.

But this miracle of nature also hides other beneficial properties: it is used in cooking, treats psoriasis, angina pectoris, improves memory and removes toxins.

Sweets are not only delicious, but also incredibly expensive. .
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We know several basic tastes: bitter, sour, sweet, spicy. But how to measure the strength of these tastes and which substances will be the “best” in each taste category?

If we talk about the strength of taste, then most will remember first of all the Scoville scale, which measures the strength of pungent taste. The number of points a pepper receives on this scale depends on many factors - the concentration of capsaicin (the active substance that is responsible for the burning sensation and pungency), the intensity of the burning sensation, its duration and where it is felt (mouth, throat, stomach, respiratory tract). etc). Each factor is assessed separately and the sum of all points gives the final result.

But how can we evaluate the “strength” of taste? There are two methods: the organoleptic (tasting method) and the high-performance liquid chromatography method (a cool scientific method used by guys in white coats).

The essence of the organleptic method is that a group of professional tasters taste a certain product and evaluate their sensations according to a special protocol. In most cases, the intensity of taste is determined as follows: solutions are prepared with different percentages of the tested taste and tasters evaluate them as the taste increases or decreases, gradually reaching the threshold of perception, that is, a solution in which they cannot distinguish the taste. And vice versa, from the weakest solution they move towards increasing concentration until the moment when the taste becomes so intense that the taster cannot distinguish where it is “stronger”.

Of course, this method has many disadvantages - most of them are simply the human factor, different experiences, different numbers of taste buds (for each person, the ratio of the number and types of taste buds on the tongue varies quite greatly), sensory fatigue, mood, etc. But the undeniable advantage of this method is its simplicity and speed.

The liquid chromatography method allows you to obtain accurate data about what substances and in what quantities are present in any liquid, which in turn makes it possible to accurately predict the taste. This method is accurate, but it can only be used in the laboratory, and it is also necessary to know how each specific substance affects the taste.

Therefore, in most cases, the strength of taste is determined as follows - the lower sensitivity defect, this is a solution of water and a substance that allows you to distinguish the taste of a substance.

Now, let's move on to the list of the very best.

The most bitter substance is Denatonium benzoate (Bitrex)

The substance, known by the names Bitterant-b, Bitter+Plus, Bitrex and Aversion, was accidentally discovered during a study of local anesthetics in 1958 in Scotland. Later, it was registered under the trademark “Bitrex”.

A solution of the substance even at 10 ppm (permissible values for water is from 50 to 500 ppm, ppm is the level of mineralization of water, that is, the amount of substances dissolved in it) is unbearably bitter for the human taste. The extreme bitterness of denatonium is used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. It is added to substances that are dangerous to humans such as solvents, detergents, etc. For example, there is so much denatonium in car wash that it can cause a gag reflex.

Also, this substance is used in pharmaceuticals, in the production of drugs and placebos (to imitate the bitterness of a real medicine). And Nintendo adds bitrex to the plastic from which cartridges for the Nintendo Switch console are made, this is done so that children do not try to eat the tiny cartridges.

So it goes.

Video reaction to the bitterness of denatonium:

The most acidic substance is Malic or malonic acids.

Despite the fact that technically, the most acidic organic acid is oxalic acid: at a concentration of 12.9 grams per 1 liter, the solution will have a pH level of 1.3. For comparison, the level of citric acid in the same solution will be about 2-3. But wait, you shouldn’t google where to order oxalic acid, since consuming it in excess quantities can negatively affect your health (calcium leaching, kidney stones - that’s all).

Therefore, for safety reasons, the first place in terms of the strength of the sour taste is occupied by malic acid, the pH level of which can vary from 1.9 to 2.2 depending on the purity and quality of the synthesis. Malic acid is assigned the index E296 in the register of food additives, it acts as a preservative and as a flavoring additive. Malic acid is added to “fizzy” candies and any very sour candies.

Sold in most stores for amateur brewers and winemakers.

Video with a reaction to a high concentration of malic acid:

Sweetest taste: Thaumatin

This is a protein that is found in large quantities in the African catampha plant. The taste is very different from the taste of sugar, but at the same time the intensity is 2000 times greater than the taste of refined sugar; the taste is not felt immediately, but after a while and then a sweet aftertaste, reminiscent of the taste of licorice, persists for quite a long time.

Katamphe fruit, from which thaumatin is added

Thaumatin proteins are used as sweeteners and flavor modifiers in the food industry. E957 is thaumatin on the food additive list. To roughly imagine what it tastes like, just remember the taste or chew chewing gum, since thaumatin is most often used in chewing gum, just so that the sweet taste is felt the entire time you chew the gum.

Hottest taste: Resiniferatoxin and Tiniatoxin.

These two substances occupy first and second places, respectively, on the Scoville hotness table. For comparison, if the familiar capsaicin (the substance responsible for the pungency in chili peppers) on the Scoville scale has 16,000,000 points, then resiniferatoxin, which ranks first, has 16,000,000,000, the strength of this toxin is so great that it can kill the receptors responsible for the perception of pain. Tiniatoxin comes in second and has a Scoville score of 5,300,000,000.

Euphorbia Poisson

Both of these toxins are found in the African bush Euphorbia Poisson. The effect of the juice of this bush is so strong that it is used as poison. Local tribes coated arrowheads with the juice of this plant, and in Nigeria (where this plant is widespread), deaths from milkweed poisoning are recorded annually.

Resiniferatoxin and Tiniatoxin are used in pepper spray mixtures, so if you've ever had pepper sprayed in your face, you know how powerful these substances are. And also, previously, Poisson’s milkweed juice was added to snuff (in tiny quantities) to enhance its effect.

Most often, these substances are used as pesticides to scare animals away from plants.

Conclusions? It is possible to use the most substances in drinks and cocktails, but with a fair amount of caution and, of course, with the exception of resiniferatoxin and tiniatoxin. Malic acid is available for purchase in most specialty stores, and the sweetener and the world's most bitter substance can also be purchased from a special company that specializes in supplying dietary supplements.

But, I see these, like most similar substances, not as ingredients for cocktails, but as a good tool for bartenders to train sensory perception.

The list of sweet foods - sugar apple from Thailand, pineapple, persimmon, tamarind, quiche, black carrots and artichokes - is endless. But in our review today we will talk about products that we are not used to classifying as sweet.

The sweetest fruit

Dates are traditionally considered the most delicious dessert. The beneficial properties and natural sweetness of this fruit have been known since time immemorial. Although dates contain a fairly high number of SES, they are often used in special diets due to their low calorie content. What adds to their popularity is the content of a wide range of amino acids and vitamins B and P. Dates help get rid of kidney stones and ease childbirth.

The sweetest tomatoes

The sweetest varieties of this vegetable are “Master Garden F1”, purple “Chernomor” and fleshy “Orange Giant”. Tomatoes are a vegetable that is high in antioxidants that prevent blood clots. In addition, they help increase potency.

The sweetest pumpkins

Pumpkin is considered to be the most sugar-containing of all gifts of nature, almost like grape varieties with a high sugar content. The usefulness of pumpkin is determined by its content of vitamin C (immunity) and B vitamins, which help maintain hair, nails and skin in good condition. Carnitine contained in pumpkin affects muscle development and helps in the fight against obesity.

Sugar garlic

Yes, yes, garlic can be sweet too. The content of a large number of polysaccharides puts it on par with and even higher than melon and sugar beets. The smell and taste that we are accustomed to in garlic is given by the presence of essential oil in its composition. This powerful natural antibiotic is very effective in treating colds, treating wounds, and also helps strengthen the heart muscle. It is generally accepted that the healthiest people live in Italy and Korea - they eat more than 10 cloves of garlic per day.

Corn syrup

Scientists from the University of California have found that sweet foods weaken nerve connections and impair brain function. For example, experimental rats fed plenty of corn syrup, who had previously easily navigated the Minotaur’s labyrinth, were unable to get out of there. At the same time, the rats that did not eat corn syrup easily exited the maze. Scientists believe corn syrup is the main culprit in the excessive obesity of US residents.

With a fairly high calorie content, honey is still much healthier than sugar. It affects the accelerated restoration of damaged tissues, improves digestion and improves immunity. It is not for nothing that the mythical Greek gods and ancient Russian healers considered it a panacea.

The sweetest substance in the world

The leader among the sweetest natural products is the perennial plant stevia, which is 300 times sweeter than sugar. Many thousands of years ago, American Indians ate it, and modern scientists have discovered its ability to treat psoriasis, angina and remove toxins.

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How to watch your figure without denying yourself sweets? Memorize the recipes for the best sweet mixes that will replace cakes, pastries and desserts! Author's mixtures from professionals.

Recipes for sweet mixes for hookah

I often want to indulge in sweets, but summer is coming and you need to take care of your figure. Yes, even for guys 😉

Those who love hookah should not worry - a smoky one can replace your favorite sweets and desserts without harming your waistline. By the way, if you are taking care of your health, then all these mixes can be prepared based on nicotine-free mixtures.

10 Banana in chocolate

The sweet taste of the dessert, which in its usual form will certainly be deposited on the sides, is completely safe and very pleasant in a hookah.

Mix Adalia 60 (coffee) by 20 (Amazonia), add another 20% of Sherbet cotton candy on top. It is good to warm up the bowl before smoking. Cooked over 3 coals.