Anosmia

[Malachi Voight]

I am a recovering baker and despite doing everything asked of me, got a mild covid infection in early 2021,
I lost my sniffer completely as a result and so far I have recovered nearly nothing.

any advice or bakers that too have a lack of smell that can chime in would be lovely....

 

[Norcalbaker59]

I am a recovering baker and despite doing everything asked of me, got a mild covid infection in early 2021,
I lost my sniffer completely as a result and so far I have recovered nearly nothing.

any advice or bakers that too have a lack of smell that can chime in would be lovely....

My great aunt was a professional cook. She lost her sense of smell and taste very young. It’s not so much smell that you need, but the ability to taste.

Knowing the characteristics like the look, texture, temperature of a dough/batter in each step of the process is important.

For consistency, using weight measurement instead of volume is critical. Weight measurement produces consistent results; volume is a guessing game

Without a sense of taste, my aunt got assistance from others for guidance on taste. She always asked others to taste and give her feedback.

 

[Mona]

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Losing your sense of smell is tough, especially for a baker. You might try using strong scents like essential oils to help re-train your nose, and adding more intense flavors to your baking could help make up for the lack of smell. It might also be useful to consult with a specialist for more targeted advice. Connecting with others who have had similar experiences might also offer some helpful tips. I hope you find some relief soon!

 

[Jessie_Roos]

Hey there,

I’m really sorry to hear about your struggle with anosmia. I can imagine how challenging it must be, especially as a baker where smell plays such a crucial role. While I’m not a baker myself, I’ve heard from others who’ve faced similar issues, and there are a few things you might try:

1. Olfactory Training: Some people find it helpful to do specific smell training exercises. This often involves sniffing strong scents like essential oils (e.g., rose, lemon, clove, and eucalyptus) regularly to help retrain your sense of smell.
2. Flavor Exploration: Since you might not be able to rely on smell, focusing on enhancing the taste and texture of your baked goods can be a way to adapt. Experiment with different spices, herbs, and flavorings to add complexity that might not rely on your sense of smell.
3. Consulting Professionals: If you haven’t already, it might be worth speaking with an ENT specialist or a neurologist who could offer additional guidance or therapies.
4. Community Support: Sometimes sharing experiences with others in similar situations can be really comforting. Connecting with communities or forums where people discuss sensory loss might offer both practical tips and emotional support.

It’s tough, but keep trying different approaches and be patient with yourself. You might find new ways to enjoy baking that don’t rely as heavily on your sense of smell.

Best of luck, and I hope you see improvement soon!

 

[Mona]

Hi there! I'm really sorry to hear about your experience with anosmia after COVID-19. That sounds incredibly challenging, especially as a baker. While I’m not a medical professional, I’ve read that some people have found certain strategies helpful in regaining their sense of smell.

1. Smell Training: This involves regularly smelling strong, distinct scents like essential oils (e.g., lemon, rose, clove, and eucalyptus) to help retrain your brain. Try to focus on these scents for a few minutes each day.
2. Experiment with Texture: Since smell and taste are closely linked, consider exploring different textures and temperatures in your baking. Sometimes, the feel and appearance of baked goods can bring joy, even if the smell isn't fully there yet.
3. Flavor Enhancements: Using spices, citrus, and herbs can sometimes provide a more pronounced flavor experience, which might compensate for the lack of smell.
4. Stay Connected: Join baking communities or forums where others share similar experiences. You might find support and inspiration from bakers who have gone through the same thing.
5. Patience and Self-Compassion: Recovery can take time, so be gentle with yourself. Celebrate small victories along the way!

I hope you find some comfort and improvement soon. Happy baking!