Explain and describe the five primary tastes.

(1) Sweet: indicates the item is loaded with carbohydrates that can be used as calories and energy within the body. The tip of the tongue is most sensitive to sweet tastes. (2) Taste buds most sensitive to salt are along the sides of the tongue. Salty items can be used to replace electrolytes lost through exercise and perspiration. (3) A sour taste is usually associated with food items that haven't fully ripened and would be best if eaten later. Citrus fruits are sour but are good sources of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Sour taste is mostly associated with the sides of the tongue. (4) Bitter taste is associated with the back of the tongue. Bitter tastes are normally associated with foods that are poisoned or spoiled. (5) Umami detects the presence of amino acids, small proteins, and nucleotides. They are distributed towards the back of the tongue and throughout.