How A Glass Of Bubbly Can Make Your Salty Food Taste Better

Salt has a bitterness that can quickly overwhelm a dish if you're not careful. If your meal seems a bit too salty by the time you're ready to serve it, try pairing the dish with a glass of bubbly. The delectable blend of flavor and carbonation will produce a complementary feel that titillates the taste buds. It naturally softens the finish and rounds out the flavor profile.

One of the best choices is prosecco, which is a sparkling white Italian wine. It features a bright yellow coloring and offers a light, refreshing profile that's reminiscent of pear, green apple, and honeysuckle. 

Another option to consider is Champagne. Since they look extremely similar, it's easy to confuse these two beverages. The simplest way to tell the difference between prosecco and Champagne is by remembering that the latter has a slightly drier finish and a higher carbonation content. It also contains notes of citrus, almond, and cream. Finally, those who are looking to avoid alcohol altogether might want to opt for sparkling water. These products come in a variety of flavors, ranging from lime to strawberry, and offer a comparable amount of fizz.

The reason why bubbly drinks make the perfect pairing for salty food is because of the way they interact with your taste buds. A study done by the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, shows that some sensors on the tongue contain the enzyme carbonic anhydrase 4, which allows people to taste carbonated drinks (via NPR). Carbonate drinks trigger a similar response as sour food, according to Science.org. Since sour flavors are known to counteract the saltiness of a dish, carbonated drinks like Champagne balance the entire food profile and present an opportunity for the drink's subtle sweetness to shine through. 

Seafood and chicken are the most popular options, providing a delicate complement to the acidity that's found in these beverages. The saltiness of fried chicken, for example, blends neatly with the fruity tones of prosecco. Meanwhile, pan-seared scallops are another dish that pairs well with a fizzy drink. It's the buttery base in the sauce that highlights the smooth texture of the scallops, which creates an irresistible combination when paired with a cold glass of Champagne or prosecco.