Dégustation is the careful, appreciative tasting of various food, focusing on the
gustatory system
The gustatory system or sense of taste is the sensory system that is partially responsible for the perception of taste. Taste is the perception stimulated when a substance in the mouth reacts chemically with taste receptor cells located on t ...
, the
senses
A sense is a biological system used by an organism for sensation, the process of gathering information about the surroundings through the detection of stimuli. Although, in some cultures, five human senses were traditionally identified as su ...
, high culinary art and good company. Dégustation is more likely to involve sampling small portions of all of a chef's
signature dishes in one sitting. Usually consisting of many courses, it may be accompanied by a matching
wine degustation which complements each dish.
History
The
French term ''dégustation'' is still commonly used in English-language contexts. Modern dégustation probably comes from the
French kitchens of the early 20th century and is different from earlier meals with many courses because these meals were served as full-sized meals at each course.
Examples
Sampling a selection of
cheese
Cheese is a type of dairy product produced in a range of flavors, textures, and forms by coagulation of the milk protein casein. It comprises proteins and fat from milk (usually the milk of cows, buffalo, goats or sheep). During prod ...
s, at home or in a
restaurant
A restaurant is an establishment that prepares and serves food and drinks to customers. Meals are generally served and eaten on the premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and Delivery (commerce), food delivery services. Restaurants ...
, may also be called a dégustation.
Three to four varieties are normally chosen, generally including a semi-soft cheese, a
goat's cheese, and a
blue cheese. The stronger varieties are normally tasted last.
A six course dégustation may include two seafood, red meat and dessert items with matching wines while the same menu could have added a vegetarian item, and any other types of dish to expand the menu to (for example) a nine-course dégustation menu.
The popular Spanish style of
tapas is similar to the dégustation style, but is not in itself a complete
set menu offering the chefs' signature dishes, but instead offers a variety from which the diner can choose.
See also
*
Tasting menu
*
Formal dinner
*
Coffee cupping
*
Tea tasting
*
Wine tasting
Wine tasting is the sensory examination and evaluation of wine. While the practice of wine tasting is as ancient as its production, a more formalized methodology has slowly become established from the 14th century onward. Modern, professional w ...
References
{{Authority control
French cuisine
Gustation
Eating parties
Culinary terminology