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What are six tastes (Rasas) of Ayurveda?

The taste includes the reaction of foods to taste buds on the tongue and the reaction of foods to digestive juices in the stomach

In Ayurveda the foods are grouped into six tastes (Rasas). For a balanced diet, the meals should include food from all the six tastes. The proportions may be adjusted during different seasons.

The six tastes are: Sweet (Madhura), Sour (Amla), Salty (Lavana), Pungent Hot (Katu), Bitter (Tikta), and Astringent (Kashai). Astringent taste makes your mouth feel dry and puckered. Some of the examples in each group follow.

Sweet

Whole grains (Wheat, Rice, Rye, Barley, Corn)

Simple Carbohydrates (Sugar Honey Jaggery)

Starchy Vegetables fruits such as Potatoes

Milk

Meats

Oils.

Sour

Yogurt (Lactic Acid), Cheese

Lime, Lemon (Citric Acids)

Vinegar (Acetic acid)

Leafy vegetables, Tomatoes

Fish

Salty (Lavana)

Salt Chutney Achaar

Pungent Hot (Katu)

Ginger, Radishes, Onions, Garlic, Chili peppers

Hot and spicy foods

Bitter (Tikta)

Aloe vera

Barley

Basil

Coffee

Leafy greens

Lettuce

Nettle

Pomegranates

Turmeric

Wine

Astringent

Fruits: Apples, Bananas un-ripened, Pear, Pomegranates)

Vegetables: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Potatoes. Sprouts

Dried beans (Legumes Pulse Tofu)

Turmeric

Tofu