Anyone heard about the supertaster thing? Do you know if you are one? (restaurants, substance)

[Stumbler.]

I had long heard about this (sometimes it's taught or shown as a "fun fact" thing) phenomenon where a certain percentage of the population is more sensitive to tastes from having more sensitive taste buds and they are called "supertasters", and was sort of thinking about it.

I know there are tests that can show whether you are one or not (like there's a substance when put on the tongue that apparently that certain part of the population can detect as a bitter taste, but people who are not supertasters would find tasteless or not detectable) or also staining the taste buds and seeing whether you have a high or low density of tastebuds.

I have also heard that the percentage of the population that are "supertasters" because of their more sensitive palates are supposed to be able to distinguish subtle tastes that others can't and so enjoy the subtleties others can't, but also on the other hand, they may be more picky eaters because they are picking up on tastes others aren't or feel strong tastes more intensely, though the psychological connections are not clear and still researched etc.

Have you heard of or had any experience with this phenomenon? Do you know if you are a supertaster?

[Bulldogdad]

All I have to do is look down to know that I'm a supertaster.

Sometimes I wish I was one of those people that was indifferent about food, so does my waist line.

[Fontucky]

I'm a supertaster when it comes to acetic acid. I can isolate vinegar in the most minute ppm. Probably because I despise it.

[Debsi]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

I'm a supertaster when it comes to acetic acid. I can isolate vinegar in the most minute ppm. Probably because I despise it.

One of the things Fontucky and I are very different about. I am a vinegar adorer, from way back.

I am a super taster when it comes to the evil banana. One of the reasons I seldom drink smoothies.

[beth98]

I remember learning about it in a basic biology class. It's genetic, but I don't remember a lot of details. We tested ourselves using the test strips and about 20% of the class thought the strip tasted terrible while most others (myself included) didn't taste anything.

[TexasHorseLady]

I remember that quite clearly, having been in the 25% section in our biology class. I was quite the picky eater when I was young, am much less so now. Interestingly enough, I've craved salt all my life, and apparently super tasters crave salt, counter intuitive though that might be.

[Happy in Wyoming]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

I was quite the picky eater when I was young, am much less so now. Interestingly enough, I've craved salt all my life, and apparently super tasters crave salt, counter intuitive though that might be.

That describes me as well. I love very acidic foods as well.

How can I find out if I'm a supertaster?

[hueyeats]

Exposure... what is one exposed to in foods.

Eg. Travel much?? Ate out much (At different restaurants in different regions & countries... Not fast foods only please)??? Cook much??? Smell much (sensory is part of cooking tool too)??? etc... all adds to "exposure" of that "tastebuds" / "senses".

[NinaN]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

I remember that quite clearly, having been in the 25% section in our biology class. I was quite the picky eater when I was young, am much less so now. Interestingly enough, I've craved salt all my life, and apparently super tasters crave salt, counter intuitive though that might be.

I'd never heard of this. My son is a superpicky eater, and he loves salt. He'll just pour it on the plate and lick it off with his fingers. Hmmm, now I need to look up more info.

[TexasHorseLady]

Here you go: Why 'Supertasters' Can't Get Enough Salt. Also has information on how to check your tongue to see if you're one.