Tag: Food presentation

According to research from institutions like Le Cordon Bleu, subjects rated food as up to 18% tastier when it was plated artistically, even with identical ingredients. This astonishing statistic demonstrates just how much more than our taste buds is involved in the dining experience, raising the crucial question: does food presentation affect taste perception?

According to a study published in the journal *Flavour*, diners rated an artistically arranged salad as tasting better than the same ingredients presented in a messy pile. This research, and many others like it, explores the age-old question: does food that looks better taste better? The scientific consensus suggests that visual appeal plays a profound role in our perception of taste.

According to neurogastronomy, the study of how the brain creates flavor, 80-90% of the food's flavor perception comes from the sense of smell, which is powerfully influenced by what we see. But does the appearance of food affect taste directly? The scientific evidence shows that what we see with our eyes can significantly alter and even override the signals from our taste buds and nose.

According to studies conducted by Cornell University, the color of your plate can significantly alter your perception of portion size. This is a crucial factor when determining if it is good to eat in a black plate, as these plates can make servings appear larger, potentially influencing how much you eat.

A 2012 Cornell University study found people serve themselves 22% more food when the color of the food matches the color of the plate. Understanding what color plates are best to eat off of can leverage this psychological effect for healthier eating habits and better portion control.