Sublime sorbets & more

In the culinary world, palate cleansers reset our taste buds and help us transition from one flavourful course to the next.

Frenchman and “King of Chefs”, Auguste Escoffier reported that a palate cleanser could elevate any type of multi-course meal, rinsing and resetting mouth flavours so diners could savour each course to its fullest extent.

Palate cleansers can range from simple citrus and fruit slices to artfully crafted infusions, and are easily made at home or in a restaurant kitchen. They may also stimulate the appetite and help digestion.

Ingredients such as sorbet, citrus fruits, or herbs neutralise lingering flavours by removing fatty residues and stimulating saliva production. This process helps restore taste bud sensitivity and balance the palate.

Common palate cleansers Sorbet: A frozen concoction made from fruit purée or juice, sugar, and water, with a refreshing, sharp citrus tang that rids the mouth of strong flavours. Its cold temperature also has a temporary numbing effect on the taste buds.

Water and Plain Crackers: A neutral cleanser, often used at wine tastings too, water and bland crackers rinse away lingering flavours and cleanse the mouth.
Herbs and Greens: Mint leaves, parsley, and coriander are commonly used to add zest and invigorate taste buds. Others used include watercress and rocket leaves, often incorporated in a small between-courses salad.
Milk and Yogurt: Often used as palate cleansers after consuming spicy or strongly flavoured foods. They each contain fats, which can help dissolve and wash away the compounds responsible for the heat and spiciness in your mouth. The fat also acts as a barrier between the spicy molecules and your taste buds, reducing the sensation of heat.