The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SEASONING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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More clues leading to the result SEASONING
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "taste is what I provide" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case taste is what i provide = seasoning.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SEASONING mean?
SEASONING noun- Something used to add taste or flavour to food, such as salt and pepper or other condiment, herb or spice.
- (by extension) Anything added to increase enjoyment.
- A coat of polymerized oil inside a cooking vessel which renders the surface non-stick.
- An alcoholic intoxication.
- In diamond-cutting, the charging of the laps or wheels with diamond dust and oil.
- To make fit for any use by time or habit; to habituate; to accustom; to inure.
- (by extension) To prepare by drying or hardening, or removal of natural juices.
- To become mature; to grow fit for use; to become adapted to a climate.
- To become dry and hard, by the escape of the natural juices, or by being penetrated with other substance.
- To mingle: to moderate, temper, or qualify by admixture.
- To copulate with; to impregnate.
- To flavour food with spices, herbs or salt.