Ashes are the powdery residue left behind when something burns. They are composed of the incombustible materials that remain after the combustible parts have been consumed by fire. The taste and texture of ashes can vary greatly depending on what material was burned to produce them. Some common sources of ashes include wood, coal, paper, and human or animal remains from cremation. People may taste ashes out of curiosity or accidentally get ashes in their mouth from activities like camping, grilling, or being near a fireplace. So what does this gritty powder actually taste like when you put it on your tongue?
Taste of Wood Ashes
Wood ashes tend to have a bitter, alkaline, and salty taste. When wood burns, components like potassium carbonate and potassium hydroxide are left behind in the ashes. These alkaline compounds give wood ash its bitter and slightly caustic flavor. The specific taste can vary depending on the type of wood burned. Softwoods like pine generally produce more alkaline ashes, while hardwoods like oak make ashes with higher levels of calcium and potassium carbonate. So softwood ashes may taste more bitter and caustic, while hardwood ashes may have a more mellow salty taste. The smokey woody aroma of the ashes also affects the overall flavor.
Here are some descriptions of the taste of ashes from different wood sources:
– Pine wood ashes – Quite bitter and alkaline like baking soda
– Oak wood ashes – Mildly bitter with a saline taste
– Hickory wood ashes – Smokey and salty with subtle bitterness
– Apple wood ashes – Faint bitterness with a sweet, fruity undertone
– Mesquite wood ashes – Strong smokey flavor with a potent mineral taste
So in general, expect a complex woody, smokey, and moderately bitter taste from wood ashes, with the specific flavors varying by the type of trees burned.
Taste of Coal Ashes
The taste of coal ashes is similar to wood ashes, but often more harsh and mineral-like. When coal burns, it leaves behind ashes rich in substances like aluminosilicates, iron oxides, limestone, and silica. This mineral-heavy makeup gives coal ashes a very gritty and acidic taste. The specific flavor depends on the type of coal burned:
– Lignite coal ashes taste quite earthy and mineral-heavy, like licking a rock.
– Subbituminous coal ashes have a very acidic and bitter mineral taste.
– Bituminous coal ashes are intensely bitter with a strong metallic flavor from their high iron content. The taste is harsh, similar to iron or copper coins.
– Anthracite coal ashes have a milder flavor than other coal types. Still metallic and acidic but somewhat mellowed by the coal’s high carbon content.
So in summary, expect coal ashes to taste quite gritty, acidic, and bitter, with a strong metallic flavor reminiscent of iron. Licking coal ashes is generally an unpleasant experience given their harsh mineral undertones.
Taste of Paper Ashes
Burned paper ashes end up largely tasteless. Plain white paper is made of cellulose fibers, and when burned, these fibers decompose into basic carbon. Any inks or dyes burn away as well, leaving behind ashes with very little taste. At most, plain paper ashes may have a faint bitter or chalky flavor due to compounds like calcium carbonate left over from the paper-making process. But in general, paper ash doesn’t have much flavor at all beyond a basic burnt charcoal taste. Colored papers or papers with coatings can potentially change the flavor, lending a chemical taste depending on the inks and treatments used. But basic plain paper and newsprint ashes taste quite bland.
Taste of Human or Animal Ashes from Cremation
Tasting cremation ashes is generally not recommended. That said, human or animal ashes from cremation contain phosphates, salts, and other incombustible minerals that can lend a bitter and alkaline taste. The ashes tend to taste quite salty and minerally, sometimes with hints of bitterness and acidity depending on the components present. The flavor is similar to licking bones or teeth due to the high calcium phosphate levels. Any metal dental fillings or artificial joints can also impart a metallic flavor. While it’s normal to be curious, tasting cremation ashes is culturally taboo and emotionally complicated. Any tasting should be done respectfully and only with permission from the deceased’s loved ones.
Health and Safety Risks
While a quick taste of ashes generally isn’t harmful, large quantities of ash can potentially irritate the mouth and throat. Wood ashes in particular can be quite alkaline and abrasive enough to damage tooth enamel or cause mouth sores. Coal and paper ashes may contain traces of toxic compounds or contaminants that are unhealthy to ingest. And human or animal ashes can cause emotional distress if tasted without permission or outside of accepted cultural practices. For safety, ashes are generally best avoided or tasted only in tiny quantities. Rinse out the mouth afterward, and if irritation persists, seek medical advice. Only taste ashes from materials you know are safe to consume.
When Ashes Accidentally Get in Your Mouth
If ashes get in your mouth by accident, try to spit them out instead of swallowing. Rinse the mouth with plenty of water to dilute the ashes. Avoid tasting or chewing the ashes, as this can increase their abrasiveness. Any irritation or discomfort should resolve once the ashes are cleared from the mouth. Seek medical help if pain or injury occurs from hot ashes, or if swelling, numbness, or other concerning symptoms develop after exposure. Take steps like wearing a dust mask when working around ashes to prevent accidental ingestion. Be cautious when exposure is high, especially with caustic alkaline wood ashes.
Trying Ashes Safely and Respectfully
If you choose to try ashes, use extreme care and respect. Only taste tiny amounts of ashes you are certain are nontoxic. Source them in an ethical manner. For cremation ashes, obtain permission and treat them reverently. Avoid any ash tasting that violates cultural norms or the deceased’s wishes. Start with just a tiny particle or smear of ash on the tongue to gauge potency. Have water on hand to rinse out the mouth afterward. Ashes can provoke powerful emotions depending on the source – be prepared for a range of reactions. Proceed thoughtfully and stop if the experience causes distress. Above all, remember ashes symbolize what remains after fire transforms something forever. Taste mindfully and sparingly.
Conclusion
Ash tastes range from bitter and alkaline to metallic and salty depending on the original material burned. Wood ashes tend to have a bitter, smoky flavor. Coal ashes taste quite harsh and acidic. Paper ashes are largely tasteless beyond a basic burnt char. And cremation ashes have a salty, minerally taste with emotional significance. Safety precautions are needed if tasting ashes, which can potentially irritate the mouth. Accidental exposure should be rinsed out immediately. Any ash tasting should be done carefully and with respect towards the material’s origins and meaning. While tasting ashes can satisfy curiosity about their flavor, restraint and reverence are advised.