Andrelina Hsu Week 15 - Taste of Time
Taste of Time
My childhood can be just about summed up by three distinct flavors: the "toastiness" of Frosted S’mores Pop-Tarts, the sweetness of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and the tanginess of Skittles. Though it's been ages since I've had those nostalgic treats, I still remember how I used to gobble them down. I would always break off the edges of the Pop-Tarts to get to the good stuff faster, pick out all the purple and red Skittles, and leave behind a bit of the Cinnamon Toast Crunch in the bowl so that the milk could be sugary.
After reflecting, I realized that what made these foods so special to me was not just because of their tastes; it was because of the experience. Without realizing it, each bite I took was a solidification of my childhood, creating a world filled with wonder and innocence inside my head, where the biggest worry was whether there were enough purple Skittles in the bag. Those moments of simple pleasure unknowingly became ingrained in my memory, shaping my sense of nostalgia and longing for the past.
The often overlooked connection between taste and memory is just as important as sight or smell. Flavors have the magical ability to carry emotions and recollections and can transport people back to different times, like when life was simpler and the possibilities seemed endless. It is as if sweetness or saltiness hold the keys to unlocking the hidden treasure chest of memories buried deep within our subconscious. Nevertheless, beyond the nostalgia, the taste of familiar foods such as Frosted S’mores Pop-Tarts, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Skittles serves as a reminder of the joys of childhood innocence and reflects the complexity of human experience. As we grow older, our tastes may change, but the memories associated with those flavors will remain in our minds, showing how powerful past experiences can be.
As our world becomes filled with uncertainties and challenges, the literal taste of our childhood can offer comfort and guidance by grounding us in the familiar embrace of our childhoods. They serve as reminders of who we are and where we come from, connecting us to our past and shaping our sense of identity in the present. Therefore, even though the years may pass and our lives may change, the taste of childhood will always hold a special place in our hearts and act as an invaluable reminder of the joys of simpler times.
Image credits: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/taste-memory-change-way-eat-183000010.html
Hi Andrelina! Thank you for sharing this reflection over the connection between taste and memory, since that is something that I often overlook in my own life. In this blog, you explained why you enjoy eating Skittles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch because of the nostalgia they cause, and although I do not share the same attachment to specific dishes, I definitely have a similar sense of nostalgia for my childhood favorite restaurant—Sweet Tomatoes. I remember at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was devastated because I heard that the company was shutting down; as the years pass, I still remember and miss my innocent joy at the endless soft-serve, brownies, jello, and more. Beyond Sweet Tomatoes, though, I do not have any major attachment to food; conversely, I actually find that there are many foods that I dislike due to the negative experiences I had with them in the past. For example, I used to eat a specific rice dish when I got sick as a child, I now despise eating it because it makes me feel as if I am miserably sick once again. Either way, I appreciate how this blog post helped me reflect on my experiences with food and how eating may allow me to reconnect with my past.
ReplyDeleteHi Andrelina!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this reflective blog on how taste plays a role in creating and fortifying our memory. I appreciate how you linked an article as evidence, and enjoyed reading it to further my understanding on the topic that you wrote about in your blog. I also enjoyed your unique take on the topic of memory, as I have not seen this specific assessment of how we build memories before. However, after reading your clear blog, it made sense to me. Like you mentioned, from time to time, I am reminded of the treats that I enjoyed in my younger years. Thinking about these helped me look back on that time, when as you mentioned, life seemed carefree. While we are almost adults know with our own lives and endless responsibilities, enjoying these treats from time to time can remind us of that wonderful time growing up.
After reading your blog, I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on why tastes create memories. One reason that I arrived at is that we often associate food with happiness, so when we look back on a food that we consumed a lot during our childhood, we are reminded of the happy thoughts that we felt. Another reason may be that certain foods bring us joy. For example, when we were growing up, candy may have been a treat for doing something good. Now, when we enjoy candy, we are reminded of those rewards for things we achieved. It might even motivate us to do some good in our current life.
Once again, thank you for sharing this reflective blog. I really appreciate how you shared a personal example, as it allowed me an opportunity to think about how this example applies to my own life. I wonder what memories related to taste we will hold in the future. Will they be about foods we enjoyed in our childhood? Or possibly, will they be about different foods we enjoyed after our childhood?
Hi Andrelina! I found your blog post to beautifully capture the essence of childhood nostalgia through the lens of taste, as it painted a vivid picture of cherished memories associated with familiar flavors like Frosted S’mores Pop-Tarts, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Skittles. By describing the rituals and experiences surrounding these foods, such as breaking off the edges of Pop-Tarts or picking out specific colored Skittles, your post invites readers to reminisce about their own childhood indulgences. Moreover, exploring the connection between taste and memory goes beyond mere sensory experience, diving into the deeper emotional resonance that certain flavors can evoke. You accurately articulate how these tastes serve as gateways to the past, transporting individuals back to a time of innocence and wonder. Through this lens, the simple act of enjoying childhood snacks becomes charged with layers of meaning and significance, highlighting the profound impact of sensory experiences on shaping our sense of self and identity. Additionally, the article you included which prompts the question “Will ‘Taste Memory’ Change the Way We Eat Post-Pandemic?” adds an intriguing dimension to the narrative. It urges readers to consider how their relationship with food may evolve in response to global events and societal shifts. This thought-provoking inquiry invites reflection on the role of taste in shaping our culinary preferences and habits, further enriching the exploration of nostalgia and memory in the context of food. Overall, your post effectively weaves personal anecdotes, and sensory descriptions to craft a poignant exploration of childhood nostalgia and the enduring power of taste memory. The blog post resonates with readers on a deeply emotional level, inviting them to rediscover the magic of childhood through the lens of flavor. Great job!
ReplyDeleteHi Andrelina,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog about the different foods and snacks that reminded you of your childhood, especially since I can relate to that similar feeling of nostalgia from some of my favorite childhood snacks. Some snacks and foods that really take me back to my childhood are goldfish, popsicles, and frozen waffles and pancakes! I would remember every day before going to school, I would always heat up a frozen waffle or pancake and enjoy it with some nutella, or syrup and whip cream! I was always excited to eat those frozen waffles and pancakes as the taste just felt special and it was delicious! Now, I rarely eat these frozen waffles and pancakes, but when I do, I always get a reminder about my breakfast before school everyday. I have started eating homemade waffles and pancakes which definitely taste amazing as well! During lunch at school, one of my favorite snacks used to be goldfish and cereal bars. I was always excited for lunch and really enjoyed eating these snacks. It has been a long time since I last ate goldfish, but I still eat cereal bars from time to time. But every time I do eat these snacks, it takes me back to lunch time in elementary school. Popsicles have always been one of my favorite summer snacks and I would always look forward to trying a variety of different flavors. I would remember that almost every time I had a stuffy nose or soar, dry throat, I would always eat popsicles or ice cream as it always felt more soothing later. It has been several years since I last had popsicles, but the next time I do have one, I will be reminded of my childhood summer. Snacks and foods have a big connection with nostalgia and memories, so thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences!
Hello Andrelina! Your reflection on the tastes of childhood strikes a chord with many of us as there is something unique in what you wrote.There's something deeply comforting about remembering those flavors that defined our early years—the sugary sweets that crowd our memory of our past. It's more than just the taste itself; it's the memories and emotions tied to those flavors that make them so powerful. Like you, I remember the simple pleasures of picking out the best Skittles colors and savoring every bite of my favorite cereals. These tastes are like time machines, transporting us back to a time when life was carefree and full of wonder. As we navigate the uncertainties of today's world, these familiar flavors offer a sense of stability and reassurance. They remind us of who we are and where we come from, grounding us in our past while guiding us through the present. In a post-pandemic world, I believe our relationship with food and taste memory will only grow stronger as we seek comfort and connection in the familiar.
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