Taste - as in personal preference, discernment - is subjective. It's emphemeral, shaped by trends and fads. It's one part mouth and nose, two parts ego.
Taste, particularly in the context of personal preference and discernment, is ultimately a subjective experience. It varies greatly from person to person and is influenced by a multitude of factors, including current trends and cultural fads. This indicates that what one finds delicious may not resonate the same way with another, showcasing the fluid nature of our perceptions regarding food and flavor.
Moreover, taste is not just a sensory experience involving the mouth and nose; it is also intertwined with our self-identity and ego. This interplay suggests that our preferences can be as much about personal expression and social belonging as they are about the actual qualities of the food we consume. The insights from Mary Roach's "Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal" emphasize this intricate relationship between taste and human experience.