Taste has long been considered one of the most important of the five human senses, having evolved over the years as per the changes in food preferences. While little is understood about the chemistry of taste, the response of this sense to certain stimulants in foods has proved to be immensely beneficial to the food flavors and enhancers industry, which is evident from the burgeoning popularity of naturally occurring and chemical additives used to enhance the taste of food.
Salt is known as the most prominent of seasonings, having been in use for thousands of years, initially as a preservative, and more recently as a flavor enhancer to make foods like bitter vegetables and gamy meats, among others, more palatable.