These Tasty Foods Are Completely Ruined Because of Their Texture
It's The Texture And Not The Taste That Always Counts
We've all been there. You're eager to try a new dish, you take that first bite, and... it's not the taste that throws you off, but the texture. Whether it's too slimy, too gritty, or just plain odd, here are 20 foods that often find themselves on the texture's most wanted list for all the wrong reasons. Can you look past them to appreciate the flavor?
1. Okra
A vegetable that always splits the crowd, Okra isn't heavily favored due to its slimy texture. While it might enhance the thickness of soups and stews, when eaten on its own, it tends to be a textural turn-off. Which is sad to hear, because this veggie is packed full of nutrients.
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2. Natto
When you hear the words "fermented soybeans," it already leaves a bit of a bad taste in your mouth. Though it's a traditional Japanese dish that's celebrated for its health benefits, it comes with a potent smell, acquired taste, and a sticky, stringy texture. The mouth feel alone might make it a hard pass for you.
3. Durian
Durian might be called the king of fruits, but it's hardly a winner to a majority of the public. Already having an intensely pungent smell, for some, it's made worse by the fact that it has a creamy, custard-like texture. Some might enjoy it this way, but for others who dislike overly soft foods, this one won't do you any favors.
4. Sea Cucumber
Found more commonly in Asian cuisines, sea cucumber is another texture offender for those who care deeply about the perfect bite. Not only is it slippery, but it's also slightly chewy and unsettling to bite into. It's certainly an adventurous eating experience if you're interested.
5. Oysters
Despite being considered a luxurious food, oysters are known for having a slippery and slimy texture not everyone is a fan of. You may love that fresh, salty ocean flavor, but can you get past the mouth feel?
6. Century Eggs
With the name already making it a hard no for some people, century eggs are a staple in Chinese cuisine. Much different than your classic boiled egg, this concoction tends to have a jelly-like consistency, and with the dark colors not helping it out, it continues to be a divisive dish to those outside the country.
7. Tofu
Tofu is arguably the most versatile item on this list, but sadly, that doesn't save it from being exempt from texture criticism. It all depends on how it's prepared with this one. Ranging from silky smooth to firm and chewy, its adaptability is endless, but it simply means it won't always be for everyone.
8. Caviar
Synonymous with luxury and expensive dining, caviar are tiny eggs that demand a hefty price, but have a surprising popping texture that won't please everyone. For some, they might even go as far as calling it off-putting.
9. Jellyfish
While you won't have to worry about getting stung, eating jellyfish does have its own share of concerns. In Chinese cuisine, it's often served in salads and has a crunchy yet slippery texture at the same time. It's a contradiction in the mouth, one that will baffle people more than they'll be able to enjoy it.
10. Custard
Got a sweet tooth? Then you may love a good custard filling, one that's creamy, smooth, and rich. But just because you love it doesn't mean everyone else will too! In fact, when not made properly, the consistency can veer towards being too thick or too runny, which detracts from its main appeal.
11. Figs
Figs are known to be a naturally sweet fruit that's delightful on the taste buds, but maybe not so much when it comes to mouth feel. Made slightly grainy thanks to its seeds, the sensation of crunching through them just to enjoy the flavor isn't something everyone wants to put up with.
12. Papaya
Is it mushy or is it ripe? Papaya is a delicious exotic fruit that people eat less often, but view as a nice treat when it's in season. But although most love the flavor, it has a confusing texture that people struggle to understand if they enjoy.
13. Ripe Bananas
Ripe bananas may be a common fruit and a nutritional powerhouse to top things off, but when you wait a little too long to enjoy them, their mushy texture will turn many away. That soft, almost strangely gooey consistency can feel unappetizing, even if it is a popular household fruit.
14. Avocado
Just because avocado is a trendy fruit all over the internet doesn't make it better for those sensitive to texture. Because this fruit's creamy texture is either a hit or miss for many people. Most fans will rave about its smooth, spreadable nature, but that just might be a huge detractor for others.
15. Mushrooms
A food known to bring a lot of umami to the table, mushrooms may be packed full of flavor, but their texture can be a stumbling block hard to get past for some. Mushroom lovers might call it chewy, but haters might call it rubbery instead.
16. Tripe
You probably won't like hearing that tripe is the stomach lining of various farm animals, but this may be made even worse when you find out it has an incredibly chewy texture too. Its unique and tough mouth feel can sadly make this more unappealing to the unaccustomed palate.
17. Eggplant
Popular in curries and stews, eggplant can be super tasty when cooked properly, offering a tender sort of meaty texture. But when done incorrectly, that's when the complaints come rolling in. Spongy and absorbing too much oil or unwanted flavors, it can turn this enjoyable veggie into something much less favorable.
18. Liver
Whether it's from chicken, beef, or pork, most people stay away from liver. Not just because it has a distinctly smooth texture, but because the sound of it doesn't feel all too appetizing. And when it's cooked poorly, resulting in a grainy, crumbly texture, it'll definitely scare off even the most adventurous of eaters.
19. Raw Tomatoes
Raw tomatoes might be a staple in many salads and sandwiches, but their juicy bite mixed with firmness in some places and gelatinous bits in others, isn't a favorite for many. It doesn't help that they can be quite sour at times too.
20. Pudding Skins
Here's a fun one: when's the last time you had pudding? Have you ever noticed that strange, almost rubbery bit that forms right at the top layer? Some find it a fun textural contrast, while others, not so much.
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