Abschmecken (AHP-shmek-en) Literally “to taste off” or “to taste through” From ab (off, away, or through to the end) + schmecken (to taste). Schmecken goes back to very old German forms used by about the 800s, connected with taste, smell, and sensing flavor. In cooking, abschmecken means tasting near the end and adjusting the seasoning before serving.