The Surprising New Truth About Food and Flavor

Research involving goats, sheep, and cattle indicates that animals have an instinctual ability to select foods that provide essential vitamins and nutrients. Throughout history, humans have exhibited similar tendencies. Studies on various groups, including children, sailors, and pregnant women, have shown that people naturally gravitate towards foods containing compounds necessary for preventing diseases like rickets and scurvy. The human body craves essential nutrients. In the past, nutrients and flavor were closely intertwined. However, modern food processing has detached flavor from its nutritional value. Artificial flavorings, concocted in laboratories to satisfy emotional cravings, contribute to cognitive and emotional deception. These synthetic flavors disrupt the natural connection between flavors and nutrients, leading to confusion about the nutritional content of foods. Despite the prevalence of synthetic flavorings, it is still possible to prepare delicious meals using natural ingredients. Contemporary growers can produce foods bred for both flavor and yield, such as poultry from the Buckeye Recovery Project and tomatoes from Garden Gem varieties. With increased demand and careful cultivation, these nutrient-rich and flavorful foods can become accessible to all consumers.