Questions: Which of the following characteristics is NOT a basic quality of taste? Select one: a. spicy b. sweet c. umami d. salty

The answer is the first one (a): spicy.

Explanation for each option: a. Spicy - This is not considered a basic taste quality. Spiciness is actually a sensation of pain or heat, often caused by compounds like capsaicin, and is not one of the basic tastes.

b. Sweet - This is one of the basic tastes. It is typically associated with sugars and certain other compounds.

c. Umami - This is a basic taste, often described as savory or meaty, and is associated with the presence of glutamates.

d. Salty - This is also a basic taste, associated with the presence of sodium ions.

In summary, "spicy" is not a basic quality of taste, whereas sweet, umami, and salty are.