Glossary

Trigeminal taste

Trigeminal taste (“other tastes”) are a set of tastes which are perceived as triggers sent to the brain via the trigeminal nerve, creating the conscious perception of touch-position and pain-temperature information. Trigeminal sensations are often associated with compounds found in certain foods; menthol for cooling is found in mint, spilanthol comes from a variety of plants, causing a tingling effect on the tongue (think wine and green tea) and capsaicin in chilies is what gives them their signature spiciness.