Sharpness

Sharpness is a sensory property describing how sharp, acidic, bitter, or astringent a food tastes. Cheddar sharpens with age as acids and flavour compounds accumulate; vinegars and citrus are sharp by nature. Trained panels assess sharpness to characterize products and guide formulation, since the right degree of sharpness balances richness and adds interest. Too much sharpness, however, makes products harsh and unpalatable. Balance is the goal in every recipe. Tasting panels calibrate their palates carefully. A little sharpness brightens rich foods.