Differences Between Flavor And Fragrance

At most of the time, flavor is a distinctive taste and fragrance is a sweet and pleasant smell. The main difference between flavor and fragrance is that flavor is felt with the tongue whereas fragrance is felt with the nose. However, flavor and fragrance cannot be considered as separate entities since the flavor is often a result of both taste and smell. Thus, fragrance has a major influence on flavor.

Basic Information about Flavor

Flavor is a particular type of taste. For example, different spices have different flavors; cloves have an earthy and sweet flavor whereas turmeric has a peppery and bitter flavor. Sense of taste comes from the taste buds on the tongue. The tongue is able to taste separate flavors: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, savory and pungent.  For example, methyl cinnamate is used in the flavor and perfume industries. The flavor is fruity and strawberry-like; and the odor is sweet, balsamic with fruity odor, reminiscent of cinnamon and strawberry. Everything you taste is one or more combination of these basic six flavors. The tongue can also pick up textures and temperatures: hot, cold, crunchy, creamy, etc.

The sense of taste is also affected by the sense of smell. For example, some soft drinks, jellies, candies, etc. have the same taste, but their smells are different. So, most of us assume that they have different flavors.

Basic Information about Fragrance

Fragrance is a sweet or pleasant odor or a scent. Fragrance is felt by the nose, and it can be considered as a sense of smell. We can use the word fragrance to describe the sweet smell of flowers, pine trees and perfumes. Stink, stench and reek are some antonyms of fragrance. It is believed that the sense of smell can identify seven types of sensations: camphor, mint, musk, flower, ether, acrid, and putrid. Out of these smells, floral scent can be considered as a fragrance.

The term fragrance is typically used by food and cosmetic industries to describe a pleasant odor. Sometimes, the word fragrance can also be used to refer to a perfume. Fragrances are used in the food industry to create different flavors. As mentioned above, the sense of smell also has an effect on the sense of taste. This is why fragrances are used in the food industry.

Main Differences Between Flavor and Fragrance

Definition

Flavor: flavor is a distinctive taste.

Fragrance: Fragrance is a sweet and pleasant smell.

Sensory Organ

Flavor: flavor is felt by the tongue.

Fragrance: Fragrance is smelt by the nose.

Usage

Flavor: flavor is usually used to describe food.

Fragrance: Fragrance is often used to describe floral scents.

Interrelation

Flavor: flavor can be influenced by the fragrance.

Fragrance: Fragrance is not influenced by the flavor.