The Audio Long Read From the archive: how we lost our sensory connection with food – and how to restore it
19 snips
Nov 19, 2025 Bee Wilson, a food writer and founder of the Taste Ed initiative, discusses our disconnection from the sensory experience of food. She explores how modern eating habits often ignore our sense of touch and smell, favoring labels over genuine sensory engagement. Wilson highlights the impact of COVID-related smell loss on enjoyment and mental health, and advocates for reconnecting with food through sensory education. Practical tips for enhancing our culinary experience are sprinkled throughout, encouraging listeners to embrace a more mindful relationship with what they eat.
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Peach Emoji Vs. Real Peach
- Bee Wilson recounts children telling her a real peach doesn't look like the peach emoji.
- This moment sparked her concern about children's lack of sensory familiarity with real fruit.
Eating With Senses Switched Off
- Modern eating often happens with our senses switched off, as packaging and convenience replace touch and smell.
- Relinquishing sensory roles to industry contributes to widespread diet-related health problems.
Smell Loss From Covid Experience
- Wilson describes losing smell from Covid and tasting only bitterness in coffee until recovery.
- She recounts the emotional relief when aromas returned, illustrating smell's role in joy.
