Why does salt make such a big difference in recipes or adding it to food? Adding a little makes such a big difference. Why?

Question

Edit: Thank you everyone for your responses! I’ve learned so much reading through them and I’m happy to have sparked an engaging discussion!

In: 7186

Answer 1

Salt is its own flavor, but it also acts to enhance other flavors by increasing the “polling rate” of the cells in our tongue which detect flavors. By the same token a lack of salt will make most foods taste bland or one-dimensional.

Presumably this is an evolved response to encourage animals to seek out and consume salt, given how critical it is for us.