What is the bud that makes you not taste alcohol?
The edible flower bud responsible for this effect is the buzz button, scientifically known as Acmella oleracea. It is also commonly referred to as the Szechuan button or electric daisy due to the unique tingling sensation it produces upon consumption. The bud contains a natural compound called spilanthol, which is the key to its palate-altering properties. When you chew or consume the buzz button, spilanthol interacts with the nerve endings on your tongue and palate, creating a numbing, buzzing sensation that temporarily overloads the taste receptors. This unique chemosensory experience is so potent that it can effectively mask the flavors of other substances, including the harsh notes of strong alcoholic spirits.
How Buzz Buttons Alter Taste Perception
The mechanism behind the buzz button's effect is a temporary disruption of the tongue's taste and sensory signals. The spilanthol compound doesn't just block taste receptors; it creates a cascade of sensations that effectively distract the brain from processing other flavors. This is different from a simple numbing agent, as the effect is more of an electric, tingling feeling, sometimes compared to pop rocks. This makes it a popular garnish in molecular gastronomy and high-end cocktail bars, where chefs and mixologists use it to create a unique, interactive experience for the diner. The effect is temporary, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the individual's sensitivity and the quantity consumed.
The Science of Spilanthol
Spilanthol, a fatty acid amide found in the buzz button, is a fascinating phytochemical. Its interaction with oral sensory nerves is a form of chemosensory modulation. It primarily affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for the sensations of touch, temperature, and pain in the face, including the mouth. This is why the sensation is more of a physical feeling than a true change in taste chemistry. The numbing and tingling override the taste receptors' ability to pick up on the bitter, sour, or sharp notes of alcohol. For example, some people have reported that after consuming a buzz button, a shot of tequila tastes like plain water, while a beer might taste sweeter or fruitier with the bitterness removed.
Comparison: Buzz Button vs. Miracle Berry
While buzz buttons can make alcohol tasteless, another popular fruit, the miracle berry (Synsepalum dulcificum), works differently. The miracle berry contains a glycoprotein called miraculin, which binds to the sweet taste receptors on the tongue. After consuming the miracle berry, anything sour, like a lemon or vinegar, tastes intensely sweet for a period of time.
| Feature | Buzz Button (Acmella oleracea) | Miracle Berry (Synsepalum dulcificum) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Compound | Spilanthol | Miraculin |
| Effect | Numbing and tingling sensation; masks most flavors. | Binds to sweet receptors, making sour things taste sweet. |
| Target Sensation | Trigeminal nerve (physical sensation). | Sweet taste receptors (taste alteration). |
| Duration | 10 minutes to an hour. | 30 minutes to an hour. |
| Flavor Impact on Alcohol | Masks the alcohol's taste entirely, often making it seem tasteless. | Can make some alcoholic drinks, particularly those with citrus, taste sweeter. |
Practical Applications and Safety
The buzz button is most commonly used in cocktails, where a whole bud or an extract is added to the drink. In Las Vegas, a well-known cocktail, the Verbena, features a Szechuan button as a key component to provide a unique flavor-tripping experience. Chefs also utilize it in small doses to add a tingling sensation to dishes. While generally considered safe for consumption in small, culinary amounts, excessive ingestion can cause a temporary headache or an overly intense numbing sensation. It is not a magical solution to drinking unpleasant spirits, and it should not be used as a way to consume alcohol to excess, as the effects of the alcohol itself remain unchanged.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the bud that makes you not taste alcohol is the buzz button, also known as the Szechuan button or electric daisy. Its active compound, spilanthol, creates a potent and temporary numbing and tingling effect on the taste buds and oral nerves. This effectively overloads the sensory system, preventing the perception of other flavors, including the characteristic harshness of alcohol. While a fun and unique culinary ingredient, it is important to remember that it only alters taste perception and does not change the alcoholic content or effects of the beverage being consumed. Consumers should use this intriguing natural modulator responsibly and in moderation.
Keypoints
- Buzz Buttons Contain Spilanthol: The active compound is a natural phytochemical that causes a tingling and numbing sensation.
- Sensory Overload Effect: Spilanthol primarily affects the trigeminal nerve, overwhelming the taste receptors and masking other flavors, including alcohol.
- Masking, Not Removing Flavor: The buzz button doesn't chemically remove the flavor but rather creates a more dominant sensation that distracts the brain from processing other tastes.
- Culinary Application: It is a popular garnish in high-end cocktails and molecular gastronomy for its unique and interactive effect.
- Temporary and Dose-Dependent: The effect is short-lived, typically lasting less than an hour, and its intensity depends on the amount consumed.
- Miracle Berry is Different: The miracle berry alters taste by making sour things taste sweet, whereas the buzz button primarily numbs the mouth.
- Does Not Change Alcohol Content: The bud only affects the taste, so the intoxicating effects of alcohol remain the same.
Faqs
What is the botanical name for the buzz button? The botanical name for the buzz button is Acmella oleracea.
Does the buzz button work on all types of alcohol? Yes, the numbing effect of the buzz button can mask the flavor of most alcoholic beverages, especially strong spirits, effectively making them taste like water.
Is it dangerous to use a buzz button with alcohol? It is not inherently dangerous when consumed in small culinary doses, but it can be hazardous if used to justify binge drinking, as it can hide the potency of the alcohol.
How long does the effect of the buzz button last? The tingling and numbing sensation typically lasts for about 10 minutes to an hour.
Where can you find buzz buttons? They can be purchased from specialty food suppliers, online stores, or found in high-end cocktail bars as a garnish.
Are there any side effects from consuming buzz buttons? While safe in small amounts, consuming too many buzz buttons can lead to an uncomfortable, intense numbing feeling or a temporary headache.
Is a buzz button the same as a Szechuan peppercorn? No, while both create a tingling mouthfeel, they are from different plants. Szechuan peppercorns come from the prickly ash tree, while buzz buttons are from the Acmella oleracea plant.
Does the buzz button affect other foods besides alcohol? Yes, the numbing effect can alter the perception of other foods and drinks, making flavors like sour or bitter less pronounced.
Can buzz buttons be used in cooking? Yes, they are used by chefs in molecular gastronomy to add a unique, tingling texture and sensation to dishes.
What makes the buzz button sensation different from a minty flavor? Unlike a minty cool sensation, the buzz button's tingling effect is more of an electric, vibrating, and numbing sensation caused by a neurochemical reaction.
