Here's some information on the five flavors. http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_chinaway/2006-03/31/content_80736.htm

Would be great to hear a Chinese point of view on this.

According to Chinese dietetics, food is classified according to 5 flavours, 5 colours, and 5 consistencies.

Food Wood Fire Earth Metal Water 5 flavours sour bitter sweet acrid salty 5 colors green red yellow white black 5 consistencies hard fibrous fleshy crunchy soft