How to clear mouth/tongue ?

Have you tried saltines? Gets saliva flowing, scrapes stuff off your tongue, and it's a little salty.

--scott

The type of palate cleanser can depend on type of meal and desired end result, but here is my take on it.

Traditionally in a multicourse meal a sorbet is used, but that is usually in a restaurant setting and usually not available if eating elsewhere.

Easy cleansers are simply acidic fruits. Two slices of grapefruit or orange are great or various applications of lemon and lime, especially Italian lemon (or lime) ice. It is easy to make and store in the freezer in ice cube trays. Simply take a cube and crush in small bowl--enjoy. Also keeping pickled ginger on hand can cleanse the palate as well. Toothpick spear pickled ginger and any cut fruit ends any meal wonderfully.

And depending on the meal, most applications of desserts or desserts wines (sweet or fortified) can yield a fresh end to a meal, not necessarily 'cleansed' but certainly satisfied.

I also have brewed any nice astringent tea to finish many meals, sometimes japanese green, sometimes a good assam...depending on meal.

Brian.

a few sips of coffee (decaf if you like). There's a reason they use little cups of coffee beans to "clear your nose" at the perfume counter. Coffee works its same effect on your palate when drunk.

I use little cracker-y things from a local winery. They are used to cleanse the palate between tastings, and I bought a bag of them for a couple bucks. They don't have the salt of a saltine and are made just for the purpose. I can't remember the brand or name, but I'll try to find the bag when I go home. I'm sure Google knows.

- Dominic