How Is Flavor Related to Temperature?

Research has shown that the temperature of a beverage can affect how a person experiences its flavors. Although temperature does not seem to affect the sweetness of food, cold temperatures have been found to intensify astringency and bitterness. Heat, on the other hand, magnifies sour temperatures.

More about flavor and temperature:

• Beer and wine aficionados have long known about the connection between flavor and temperature. Experts have developed charts recommending appropriate serving temperatures for different varieties of these libations.


• A small percentage of people, those known as "thermal tasters," actually experience temperature as a taste.


• People's ability to taste foods can become compromised as they age. Other things that can harm a person's sense of taste include smoking, the use of some medications and radiation therapy.