Epilogue

Food and enjoyment go together and the taste of food is a pathway to the good life. The taste of food is a constant in our lives, from cradle to grave, and even though our senses may become less acute as we age, the daily meals are occasions that give us the most, and the most lasting, pleasure. We employ all our senses when we eat and mouthfeel is an important part of that overall sensory experience.

It is quite possible to get by with food that is mushy, provided it has the right nutritional content. However, it is hard to imagine that one would like this kind of food for an extended period of time—for example, in the form of fluid food in tubes on a year-long space journey.