What are the primary tastes humans can detect?

The primary tastes that humans can detect include sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. These tastes are recognized as fundamental because they correspond to specific sensory receptors on the taste buds located on the tongue. Each of these tastes is associated with different types of substances that signal various nutritional or harmful components of food.

Sweetness typically indicates the presence of sugars and energy-rich carbohydrates, which are essential for energy. Sourness usually signals acidity, which can help identify spoiled foods or those with a lower pH. Saltiness is related to the presence of sodium, which is vital for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function. Bitterness often serves as a natural warning signal for potential toxins or bitter compounds in food, while umami, recognized as a savory taste, corresponds to amino acids and is an indicator of protein-rich foods.

The other options either include tastes that are not classified as primary tastes (like spicy or aromatic, which are sensory qualities rather than taste modalities) or do not encompass the full set of recognized primary tastes. Thus, option A accurately reflects the complete and accepted list of primary tastes that humans can perceive.