People should eat with their mouths open so food tastes better.
People should eat with their mouths open so food tastes better
An Oxford University expert is encouraging people to go against table manners by snacking with their mouths open to enhance the flavour of the meal.
Charles Spence, a Professor of Experimental Psychology at the university, explained that compounds that give food flavour reach the back of the nose better when chewing open-mouthed.
He said: "We've been doing it all wrong.
"Parents instill manners in their children, extolling the virtues of politely chewing with our mouths closed.
"However chewing open-mouthed may actually help to release more of the volatile organic compounds, contributing to our sense of smell and the overall perception."
Professor Spence added that diners should ditch cutlery and eat with their hands to appreciate the taste more.
He said: "Our sense of touch is also vital in our perception of food on the palate.
"Feeling the smooth, organic texture of the skin of an apple in our hand before biting into it whole is likely to contribute to a heightened appreciation of the juicy, sweet, crunch of that first bite."