Man Claims to Discover Sixth Basic Taste Zone

This post was written by guest writer Prudence

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX-

Jiminy Belfort, 32, best known for winning the 50th Annual Texas Chicken Fried Steak Eating Contest as well as being a strong advocate for Texans for Texting, an organization that wants to teach elderly people how to use emojis and text language correctly, claims to have found a new taste zone.

Belfort, a professional competitive eater, was in his garage practicing for the 45th Annual Corn Dog Eating Competition when he discovered the taste. The sweltering heat of a ninety-five degree Texas day caused him to sweat uncontrollably on top of the pile of corn dogs he had set aside to inhale.

"We all know the five taste zones," Belfort said. "Sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami. I wasn't trying to discover anything new. I'm quite happy and satisfied with those five tastes. But I came across something unfamiliar on the outer shell of my corn dog... it tasted sweaty, like the stench of a gym permeating across my palette. It was alright."

Since then, Belfort has sent his findings to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Harvard University, and top chef Guy Fieri, but says they have yet to respond.

"I am not sure if the world is ready for the sixth taste. I'm not sure if I was ready to discover it," Belfort says with a sigh. When asked if he has plans for the future, Belfort mentions a food truck, maybe even franchising a chain of restaurants one day.

"I would love to partner with Planet Fitness or Crossfit to really get the flavorings I need for the food," he said. "I know this taste may not be for everyone, but I think I could have a real market opportunity. I also want to send it into the Lay's Potato Chip Flavor competition, just to see how that pans out."

Until then, Belfort says he will continue to eat his sweaty corn dogs in practice for the upcoming competition.

"The little extra bit of sweat also makes them slide down the throat easier. Since I've discovered the taste, I've been able to eat corn dogs 0.4 times faster than I was last year," Belfort says with a grin. "So next time you see me, I'll be wearing a first place medal for corn dog eating."

I don't doubt him.

#news #eating #science #discovery #texas #corndogs