Electric fork shocks tongue to simulate salty flavor

Researchers of the Hiromi Nakamura at Rekimoto Lab, Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, University of Tokyo, have good news for blood pressure/hypertensive patients who are on low-salt or salt-free diet. Researchers have developed an ‘electric flavoring fork’ based on the ‘electric flavoring technology’ under development at the university.

The fork uses electric current to produce salty as well as sour flavors. The researchers already had ‘electric test for taste” as the base for this development. ‘Electric test for taste’ is used to find out whether a taste cell of human tongue is dead or alive. So, the researchers were already aware of ability of electricity to produce salty and sour flavor when applied to human tongue.

A rechargeable battery and electric circuit are incorporated in the handle of the fork. User is simply required to push the fork against tongue and press a button on its handle. As the tines touch the tongue, it completes a circuit that facilitates flow of current at a certain level.

User can adjust levels of electricity that are directly associated with intensity of stimulated flavor. Individuals can adjust levels at high, low, or medium, depending upon their preferences. Presently, the fork is developed for ‘No Salt Restaurant’ project that aims at offering salt-free full-course meal. The development cost of the device is about ¥2,000 (approx US$17.7), in addition to cost of the fork. The fork isn’t available commercially yet, but inventors are hoping to mass produce it as soon as possible.

---