Ayurvedic Cooking divides the flavors of our foods into Six Tastes. In order for the body to feel completely satisfied and satiated after eating, we must strive to incorporate all six tastes in each meal.

1. Sweet (Earth + Water)

decrease vata; decrease pita; increase kapha

Ex: Mango, Banana, Grains, Milk

2. Sour (Fire + Earth)

decrease vata; increase pita; increase kapha

Ex: Lemon, Tamarind, Curd, Tomato, Yogurt

3. Salty (Fire + Water)

decrease vata; increase pita; increase kapha

Ex: Sea Salt, Cheese, Soy Sauce, Seaweed

4. Pungent (Fire +Air)

increase vata; increase pita; decrease kapha

Ex: Black Pepper, Ginger, Cayenne, Chili Peppers, Garlic, Onion, Leek

5. Bitter (Ether + Air)

increase vata; decrease pita; decrease kapha

Ex: Leafy Greens, Beets, Coffee, Neem, Turmeric

6. Astringent (Earth + Air)

increase vata; decrease pita; decrease kapha

Ex: Aloe, Beans, Raw Vegetables, Pomegranate, Nutmeg, Charcoal, Black Tea

EMOTIONAL QUALITIES: In Balance // In Excess

SWEET: Love // Attachment

SOUR: Discernment // Judgement

SALTY: Trust // Agitation

PUNGENT: Exploratory // Competition

BITTER: Austerity // Cynicism

ASTRINGENT: Unity // Rigidity

Now, the question is, how can we apply this information to our own patterns of eating?

It is important to note the action that each of the six tastes on our doshas. Understanding these actions will help us know which tastes to incorporate into our diets in greater ratios, to achieve greater balance. Remember, ayurveda is about unifying opposites. A person with a lot of wind (vata), will find balance by bringing the other elements into their diet, like water & earth (which are associated with the sour taste).

For example, someone with a dominant kapha dosha (water + earth), will benefit from making an extra effort to incorporate spicy/pungent flavors into his/her diet, while a pitta (fire + water) dominant person will further their imbalance by taking too much pungent or heating food. A vata (air + ether) dominant person, on the other hand, will benefit from eating a slightly greater ratio sour foods.