Flavor, often referred to as taste, is the sensation we experience when we eat or drink something. It is a combination of five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. These tastes come from the food's chemical compounds interacting with our taste buds, which send signals to our brain, helping us identify what we are consuming. Beyond just taste, flavor also includes the aroma and texture of food. For example, the smell of freshly baked cookies can enhance the sweetness we perceive when we take a bite. Together, these elements create a rich experience that makes eating enjoyable and memorable.