You probably think of training as something figure skaters or pianists do. You probably don't associate it with your palate. But if you want to develop your palate in order to be able to taste greater nuance in your food, then you need to put your mouth into training.

How do you do this? There are several basic steps to the process:

• Try new foods
• Savor whatever you consume and eat at a leisurely pace
• Experiment with spices
• Reduce sugar consumption

By stretching your taste buds and challenging them with new experiences, you can take your enjoyment of meals to a new level. Follow these tips on how to improve your palate.

Be a More Adventurous Eater

You will never learn to appreciate new tastes if you eat the same bland food all the time. Move beyond "safe" foods such as pasta and rice. Try new vegetables, order fish instead of chicken and go to different restaurants. When you expand your horizons, your taste buds will begin recognizing flavors you may not have picked up on before, such as the umami of mushrooms or bitterness of dark chocolate.

Learn to Savor Your Meals

Too often, we wolf down what's put in front of us as quickly as we can. We're always running from one activity to the next, which doesn't leave time to relax and enjoy a meal. And when you eat too quickly, you miss out on the subtleties of taste.

Consciously slow yourself down when you eat a meal. Take a moment to consider the food in your mouth. Is it sour? Sweet? A combination? Identify the tastes and take note of them. Chew your food thoroughly and drink water between bites to further slow you down.

Spice up Your Meals

Spices make the difference between a bland meal and an exciting one. You probably already use some spices when you cook. Try adding new ones to your repertoire to push your palate. When you cook with new spices, you get new tastes.

Love the spice of chili powder? Try cooking with curry. Add saffron to your rice. Experiment with juniper berries and grains of paradise. Pick something you've never heard of in the spice aisle, then go online to research recipes you can make with it.

Skip the Added Sugar

Sugar can overwhelm other flavors and dull your palate. Though naturally occurring sugar in fruit is fine, skip the added sugars. They aren't good for you, anyway.

By putting these tips into practice, you can sharpen your palate and gain a new appreciation for different foods. Want to try something new close to home? Stop by Forklift & Palate for a delicious meal you will want to take your time with.

Learn More About Trying New Foods