It would be nice to be able to enjoy the taste of salt without the health risks associated with a high-sodium diet. Right? Well, you could do it thanks to Kirin's new electric spoon. Things? It's a device that uses mild electric shocks to trick the tongue into perceiving more saltiness in low-sodium foods.
Developed in collaboration with a Japanese university, this spoon has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach healthy eating. But before you get too excited, there are some important security considerations to keep in mind.
An idea… electrifying for demanding palates
The concept behind this invention comes from a study a few years ago, that caught my attention: passing a small electric current through the tongue to “concentrate the sodium ion molecules,” thus increasing the perception of the salty flavor.
In practice, it is as if the spoon added a touch of "electric salt" to the dishes. The target? According to Kirin, it's about helping people eat healthier by allowing them to enjoy low-sodium foods without missing that extra pinch of salt.
From chopsticks to spoon: the evolution of electro-cuisine
The electric “salt” spoon is not Kirin's first experiment in this field. The company had already tested the technology in a set of chopsticks connected via cable to a wrist battery pack. According to their studies, chopsticks they increased the perception of salty taste by up to 50%. Not bad for a pair of sticks!
If you are already imagining taking the electric spoon to the restaurant to give a jolt of flavor to your dishes, you might be disappointed. At the moment, Kirin plans to produce only 200 pieces in a limited edition, at the not exactly cheap price of 19.800 yen (around 127 euros). But don't despair: The company plans to expand into overseas markets next year and hopes to reach one million customers in the next five years.
Be careful: it's not for all tastes
Always, and therefore also in the case of the "magic" spoon, it is best to read the warnings carefully. According to the safety precautions of Kirin, there are several categories of people who should avoid using it. These include those who have implanted medical devices such as pacemakers, those who suffer from metal allergies, those who have facial nerve problems, bleeding disorders, those who are undergoing dental treatments or who may be pregnant.
In short, a rather long and disheartening list, especially because it includes many of the people who could benefit most from this tool. The image of a hypertensive person who, to avoid salt, is electrocuted by a lethal spoonful is grotesque.
What do I do with a spoon?
It would be nice if this spoon could trick the taste buds of all of us, without distinction, to make us eat healthier. A little technological help to make meals tastier could make all the difference. Too bad I don't like shocks either.
No. I would say that the electric salt spoon is not exactly an everyday object (at least for now), but it represents an interesting step towards a more creative and innovative approach to healthy eating. What else, then? Forks that add chocolate flavor to vegetables, or plates that turn water into wine?
I think I've heard this one before.
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