First thing you can do is try new foods!
Don’t be afraid to grab something that looks a little different than you’d normally grab in the store or the farmer’s market. My husband and I pick up something new every week to try, just to keep us on our toes.
Second, eat slower.
Eating has become a secondary action for many these days, we don’t actually stop and really take in what we are eating. Slow down. when you take a bite of something, feel it’s texture. Does it remind you of something? How does it feel to bite into it? This is called mindful eating. Not only can it help develop your palette, it also has a tone of health benefits when you just take your time. For more on mindful eating, here is a great article from Healthline.com.
Be adventurous.
Experiment with your food. Try new combinations of ingredients. My favorite book I keep around is called The Flavor Bible (there is a vegetarian version as well). With so many ingredients out there, I have found this book really helps bring things together a little easier. Some pairing will be a huge success and have you wanting more, and some…well let’s just say they fall a little short on expectations. But, that’s okay, it’s how you learn what works and what doesn’t. These books are great guides for helping developing flavor profiles and trying new things.
Cleanse your palette.
When trying similar items, have something close by that will neutralize the previous foods components. Some widely used items have a tart or citrusy flavor like grapefruit or pineapples. Other choices could be sorbet, apples or even pickles.