what is the meaning of ( before our taste buds are engaged ) ?

Question

I read this sentence in a book :
Taste , a captivating sense is able to gain our attention through sight and smell even before our taste buds are engaged.
so what is the meaning of ( before our taste buds are engaged ) ?

Answer 1

Before it touches our tongue, where you can find the taste buds. I agree with this quote. I burnt my tongue yesterday, so my taste buds don't have the ability to be fully engaged at the moment, but that Kraft chocolate pudding handi-snack sure tasted good nonetheless (looked good, smelled good, etc.).

Answer 2

Before they actually go to work. Before the food touches the tongue and the taste buds tell us what it tastes like.