The word guna also means inherent properties of different foods, which can enhance or reduce the natural inclinations, talents, temperaments and potentials of individuals. The concept of guna and tahseer of various ingredients tells us that there are inherent properties, which can accentuate or mitigate the effects of seasons and mediate moods. Smriti and sutra codes of social conduct provide elaborate lists of prescribed and prohibited foods. Sanskrit scholars and commentators traditionally had, and still have, a penchant for classification. The word for a bon vivant in Sanskrit is rasik - one who has dedicated his life to the enjoyment of rasa.
Food is also related to personality types and variety of human pursuits.
Like everything else, our ancestors divided food according to its intrinsic quality and its effect on metabolism. These 'couplings' are subliminal reminders to balance the rasa in diet. Observation of any large landmass with a 'variety' of climates in a historical perspective will reveal that there are easily discernible regions of rasa or zones of taste. Take for instance, the new world, the United States, and an ancient civilisation, China. In days gone by, the northern states of the USA, inhabited largely by immigrants from the colder parts of Europe, have blander foods, whereas those in the South, richly influenced as they are by Mexico, Spain, Africa and Southern France boast of a spicier and tastier plethora of foods.