Wax Lips Reminder

As a coupon diva, I try many brands. Recently, I purchased a new variety of toothpaste. The strangest thing occurred when I used it for the first time. What was that familiar taste? I brushed and brushed, trying to identify the flavor. (My dentist will be SO happy.)

Several days later, I had one of those "aha" moments. The toothpaste and the candy wax lips I favored as a child tasted similar. Warm memories of my aunt's tiny grocery store came flooding back. I saw my five-year-old self standing in front of the large candy case, selecting red wax lips. They never retained their shape long because I couldn't resist the cinnamon taste coupled with the smooth texture.

I've read descriptions of various taste sensations in novels. Some of them were ho-hum, while others sent me scurrying to the kitchen or the grocery store. When writing about this sense, I try to incorporate details of sight and smell, as well as taste. I reach back into my memory bank and re-experience walking into a kitchen where cookies are baking or a Thanksgiving turkey roasts in the oven.

Writers: How do you communicate the sense of taste in your writing?

Readers: Do you recall any specific instances where a taste description made you hungry? Please share.