The funny thing was that Mum did like sharp flavours - she used to buy that 'PLJ' lemon juice concentrate, and either drink it unsweetened in hot water, or add it to black Earl Grey tea. I tried it once, and found it quite undrinkable! Her apple and other crumbles and pies, though, were always plenty sweet enough for me; perhaps she was cooking for Dad's fairly sweet tooth rather than for us young 'uns.