​To refresh your senses between samples, have on hand:

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filtered water, unsalted crackers or plain white bread 

3-4 unflavored coffee beans or instant coffee​

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1. Open a flavor sample vial.

2. Move the vial back and forth under your nose while inhaling the aroma.

3. Turn the vial up-side down over your tongue or a spoon (the plastic insert will prevent the liquid from spilling).

4. Tap the bottom of the vial with your finger. This will deliver one drop of liquid.

5. Write down your thoughts, comments or impressions about the flavor. Try to guess what it is.

6. Write down your guesses on the Worksheet from our Resources page.

7. To cleanse your palate, take a sip of water and a bite of bread or cracker.

8. To refresh your sense of smell, sniff the coffee. If you don't have coffee, just sniff the crook of your elbow.

9. Try another flavor*

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It is not necessary to go through all 25 samples at the same time. Learning a few at a time is just as effective and may work better for some people. 

To check your guesses see the "Key to Flavor Samples" adhered to the inside of the box top. As you check the correct answers, look at the photo of the flavor source. This will help you identify the herb or spice visually as well as by aroma and flavor. It is even better to have the actual source of the flavor, such as fresh or dried herbs and containers of spices 

*Your ability to detect an odor decreases with continued exposure to that odor,  a property called olfactory fatigue. Smelling the beans between each oil eliminates any scent left from the previous oil.