TOKYO — A group of researchers from Japan discovered that the sensation of holding a cup influences the taste of coffee. They noted that altering just the texture of a cup’s sleeve could affect how tart the coffee tasted.
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Previous investigations revealed that the color, form, and composition of mugs and glassware can influence individuals' perception of a beverage's flavor. However, the impact of tactile sensations on taste remained uncertain. Previous studies were unable to completely isolate the sense of touch from visual cues or lip contact.
A group from Chuo University created two types of cup covers. One had an uneven texture crafted using sandpaper. The second was soft and constructed from kraft paper. Each cover was placed around a mug containing black coffee heated to 68 degrees Celsius. A total of ninety-two individuals took turns drinking from each mug. They wore eye masks to prevent seeing which cup they were using.
The findings revealed a distinct variation. Individuals who initially handled the coarse sleeve followed by the smooth one tended to perceive the subsequent coffee as significantly less sour. However, those who experienced the reverse sequence did not report the same reduction in perceived acidity.
The group mentioned that coarse textures are associated in the brain with "high acidity." Soft textures are connected with "low acidity." After feeling a rugged shirt, then touching a soft one might lead individuals to perceive "lower acidity." Additionally, as people repeatedly sip coffee, they might notice the tart flavor decreasing. Due to these factors combined, the second cup of coffee could appear less acidic.
However, when individuals handled the coarse sleeve afterward, the concept of "high acidity" overpowered the previous impact. Thus, the coffee still appeared equally acidic.
Professor Atsunori Ariga, who heads the research group, stated, "This discovery might open up fresh methods for selecting mugs or covers that enhance the flavors we prefer."
(A translation from Japanese by Akihiro Kawakami, Tokyo City News Department)
Vocabulary
texture: how something feels
acidity: a sour taste
blindfolded: having one's eyes obscured
result: information obtained through experimentation