Savory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Culinary Arts

• Savory flavors are commonly found in dishes around the world, such as curries, stews, and roasts.
• Certain sauces, like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, enhance the savory taste in a dish, adding depth of flavor.
• Savory and sweet dishes can complement each other; for instance, salted caramel combines both for a unique taste experience.

Science

• The umami taste, often described as meaty or savory, was recognized as a basic taste by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda in 1908.
• Different types of savory compounds, like glutamate and certain nucleotides, stimulate taste receptors to produce the umami flavor.
• Eating savory foods can trigger dopamine release in the brain, enhancing feelings of pleasure while eating.

Cultural Significance

• Many cultures have their own signature savory dishes, such as Italian risotto, Indian biryani, or Chinese dumplings.
• In Mediterranean cuisine, savory herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano are often used to enhance the flavor of dishes.
• Savory flavors are often celebrated in food festivals and culinary traditions, showcasing the range and creativity of savory cooking.

Psychology

• The preference for savory over sweet can be influenced by age; as people age, they often enjoy heartier, more savory foods.
• Eating savory foods can evoke childhood memories related to family meals and comforting gatherings.
• There’s a psychological pleasure in consuming savoriness; it often feels more satisfying than just sweet foods, tapping into our need for nourishment.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'savory' comes from the Latin 'sapere,' which means 'to taste.'
• In Middle English, 'savoury' (spelled with a 'u') referred to foods that had a strong, pleasant taste.
• Originally, savory referred to a herb used in cooking before it evolved into its current meaning related to taste.

The word 'savory' originated from Old French 'savouré' and Latin 'sapor' meaning 'taste' or 'flavor'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe pleasant tastes or smells. Over time, it has evolved to refer to both a delicious taste and a type of herb or spice used in cooking.

See also: savor, savoriness.

Positioned at #23,624, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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