1.] THEY INTENSIFY FLAVOURS
“Salt actually
enhances the
bitterness of hops,” says Dr Marcia Pelchat, a sensory psychologist at the Monell Chemical Senses Centre. So salty pretzels boost that glass of pale ale.
2.] THEY STRIKE A CONTRAST
Opposites attract – think cold, bubbly beer and salty, crunchy nuts. “People like varied tastes and textures,” says Pelchat. So they bounce back
and forth
between them.
3.] THEY FIRE YOUR TASTEBUDS
Peri-peri chicken begs for beer.
“Putting any substance in your mouth will temporarily take away
the heat of spicy food,” she says.
So if a beer is handy, you’ll
reach for it more.
MAKE THE WORLD’S BEST BAR NUTS
These warm, salty, spicy nuts will improve any beer you’re drinking
- Spread 550g unsalted mixed nuts on a baking sheet and bake until 180°C until light golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp ground cayenne (or to taste) and 1 tsp dark brown sugar.
- Toss the warm toasted nuts with the spiced oil and serve warm.
Makes 5 cups
