Salted caramel, peanut butter and jelly, chocolate pretzels. You've probably realized on some level that when you pair salty and sweet together you strike the perfect balance of flavors... but did you ever wonder why?
The answer is, as usual, science. Studies have shown that the sugar receptors on your taste buds are activated when salt accompanies sugar. When researchers formulate food products they utilize this phenomenon (aptly named the "bliss point"), to create junk foods that harmoniously combine salt, sugar, and fat. Even so, my favorite healthy snack is a marriage of homegrown figs, goat cheese, and crispy rosemary and raisin crackers. Try it out! I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.
Just call me Little Miss Figgy.
You can learn more about the bliss point in this article published in the New York Times.
