Taste:
Asian Pears
Asian pears, often referred to as "apple pears" due to their unique texture, offer a crisp and refreshing taste experience that's distinct from other pear varieties. Their flesh is firm and crunchy, resembling that of an apple, yet with the juicy sweetness you'd expect from a pear.
Biting into an Asian pear is like savoring a burst of cool, subtly sweet juice with delicate floral notes. The flavor is balanced, not overly sugary, with a mild honey-like sweetness that’s clean and refreshing. There's also a hint of tartness that adds complexity to the taste, making it more nuanced than a standard pear. Some varieties might even have a slight spiciness or a hint of citrus, adding to their layered profile.
The texture is another standout feature. Unlike the soft, buttery texture of European pears, Asian pears maintain a crisp bite even when fully ripe but are also delightfully juicy. The skin is thin yet slightly grainy, which can add a bit of earthy texture if eaten along with the flesh.
Scent:
There is a scene in the sweet little book called The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein where the lead character and narrator, a dog named Enzo, describes being able to detect through smell that his owner may have cancer.
Up until reading that I had no idea that this was possible. Did cancer have a “smell?” Do other ailments and diseases have scents that cannot be detected by the human nostril but by certain other animals? I mean, I know how nasty I smell when I’ve had a cold or been in my “sick bed” too long. But, what do other diseases smell like?
While humans have a impressive array of 400 aroma receptor cells, certain animals, like rats and canines are able to detect far more volatile organic compounds (VOC) than humans with dogs having 100,000 times the sensitivity to scent.
This article discusses recent research developments and experiments being done currently using animals to help detect illnesses and treat them far earlier than ever before including diseases like Tuberculosis and diabetes and yes even cancer.
Sound:
Cool Playlist Alert!
Sending my daughter back to college last week gave me all the nostalgic feels. Love this late 90's Autumn in College playlist!
Touch:
Kinetic Sand
Imagine squeezing a handful of beach sand, but instead of it crumbling through your fingers, it clings together like some kind of magical moldable dough. That's kinetic sand for you – a mind-bending material that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about sand.
Squish it, stretch it, watch it ooze – kinetic sand moves in ways that'll hypnotize you. It's like a magic substance caught between solid and liquid, defying your expectations with every touch.
Why's it so addictive? It's a sensory playground for your fingers, with just the right balance of resistance and yield. Watching it flow and transform is oddly calming, like a mini-meditation session. Plus, it taps into that childlike part of your brain that loves simple, tactile fun.
So next time stress hits, grab some kinetic sand. Just be warned – once you start playing, you might find it hard to stop. It's wild, wonderful, and weirdly satisfying.
Sight:
Rainbow clouds
Photo attribution: Chris Dustin
Before yesterday, I did not even know that this dazzling and iridescent phenomena existed!
Just look at this gorgeousness! Rainbow clouds are quite rare, occurring only with certain types of clouds that tend to have a lot of ice and water crystals surrounding it that help to scatter the sun’s light to create this glorious imagery.
I’m putting it on my bucket list in addition to seeing the Northern Lights, Bioluminescent bacteria like Bio Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico, and the blue-footed Boobies in the Galapagos Islands!
Tell me. What is rocking YOUR 5-senses this week? I’d love to know. Chime in in the comments below.