Base and Bitter - The Chat

Let's talk complements...

Base and Bitter

Have you ever tried making a dish and just happen to be missing that one ingredient that has no flavor alone? You might be thinking "This ingredient alone has no flavor...It won't matter if I leave it out?" Most likely that "flavorless ingredient" was either a "Base" (also called neutral) or a "Bitter" (also called acidic). Typically, base and bitter foods alone have an odd taste that might take some getting used to. However, they add very delicious flavors to many recipes and surprisingly taste very much delightful mixed with other ingredients. In my experience, base foods provide my meal with balanced flavors, and bitter foods often make my dish taste more desirable. Base foods can make recipes with highly acidic ingredients neutral and vice versa with bitter foods added to dishes. Overall, I think base foods and bitter foods taste well with each other and well with other ingredients, but taste unique by themselves. 

The neutralizing foods of the world are typically comprised of base foods, helping many individuals lower the acidic levels in their dishes and recipes. I too have added many base foods to neutralize many of the recipes I have dared myself to consume, creating a balance almost within every meal. The following discovery lists some "base additions" to hopefully zen your next zesty, sweet or acidic dish: 

Base Additions

1. Soy Bean

2. Almond

3. Milk

4. Apple Cider

A definite food challenge would be to try a bitter food alone and then try the same bitter food with any desired recipe. A huge difference in taste should be present and hopefully, a satisfying experience will come about. I thought about all the delicious bitter foods I have tried alone and with awesome recipes, and there is usually a huge difference in taste. The following discovery list some "bitter additions" you might want to try during your next food challenge:

Bitter Additions

1. Arugula

2. Saffron

3. Dill

4. Cinnamon

The inspiration for this creation comes from none other than my wonderful teachers. Enjoy!