The part of taste that comes from taste buds is actually a chemical reaction that occurs on the tongue. (Byproducts of the reaction start the chain of stimulus which eventually gets percieved as the sense of taste.) - Think of it... when you taste food, you are actually changing it's chemical composition! Air (and I think oxygen in particular) contributes to the reactions, which is why thin slices of meat or cheese are so much tastier than slabs of the stuff, and why slurping makes liquids taste better.
Next time your mother scolds you for slurping soup, just tell her you're doing your best to appreciate her cooking!