What Causes the Different Tastes in Food?

Have you ever wondered why some foods, like apples and oranges, taste so different? It's because of special parts in your tongue called taste buds, which can pick up on different flavors. Some people say there are only five main tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami (which is kind of a meaty or savory taste). When you eat something, the chemicals in it go to your taste buds and tell your brain what flavor it is.