@Betty, Thank you for bringing up the question. This is one fact that a lot of people, even some professional tasters, don’t notice. We rely on the papillae on our tongues to physically receive taste materials. Not only do the conditions of these little protrusions change throughout the day and affected by the different things that have passed through them, but also our very own health. The appearance of the tongue is actually one important indicator for TCM doctors during diagnosis. That is why when I don’t feel well, I don’t do tasting at all; the result won’t be true. I am posting an ancient drawing in a TCM book for your reference. There are modern photographic versions with very detail differences and variations, but they are too explicit to be posted here.
