A very sensible question, overheard by a friend. Such sensible questions deserve limericks.
Some foods can play tricks on your tongue
More especially so when you’re young
They can feel cold or hot
Although really they’re not
And your tastebuds can feel a bit stung
Things like chilli and curry seem hot
While things that are minty do not
Their chemical make up
Will make your mouth wake up
And some people like it a lot
Most people agree it feels nice
To be eating room temperature ice
It takes more time to learn
To enjoy foods that burn
Take it slowly, would be my advice.
It’s important, so don’t forget, please
When each breath feels like Icelandic breeze
It’s a physio-mental
Illusion. It’s menthol
That causes your tastebuds to freeze.
Tom Juniper Poetry 