Are You a Super Taster? Take This Test to Find Out…
The test below was created by Linda Bartoshuk, a renowned researcher on the science of taste. She currently teaches at the University of Florida and has spent her career studying how our taste buds play a role in our food choices. Through extensive research she has determined that three types of tasters exist and has labeled each as
- non-taster
- taster
- and super taster.
In her lectures she uses blotting paper soaked in a solution of 6-propylthiouracil (a thyroid medication known simply as PROP) to discover the super-tasters in the group. The students who experience no sensation are non-tasters, those who only slightly taste the solution are tasters. Those most sensitive are super-tasters.
Generally, PROP tastes rather disgusting to super tasters. So much so that when Bartoshuk hears a load groan from certain members in the audience she can quickly pin-point the super tasters in the room.
Many assume that super tasters would have the most problem with obesity. However, Bartoshuk’s studies have shown that because super tasters are highly sensitive to taste variations – such as the slightest addition of salt or sugar- they are often less likely to eat rich, fatty foods.
How many times have you said “This desert is too sweet?” It could be an indication of your taste sensitivity.
Take the test below to find out what kind of taster you are. Keep in mind that where our tongue picks up five different tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami, our nose can discriminate among thousands of scents. The enjoyment of wine is the combined work of our eyes, nose and tongue.
I first learned about Bartoshuk in ‘The Science of Wine, From Vine to Glass’ by Jaime Goode. The taste test below comes straight from that book.
Taste Test
PROP is a prescription only drug. Luckily blue food coloring also works. Here’s how…
What You’ll Need
- Blue food coloring
- A piece of paper with a hole punched in it, about 7mm (about 0.5 inch) in diameter, or use a reinforcer for a ring-binder
- A hand lens or magnifying glass
Method
Swab some blue food coloring onto the tip of your tongue. Your tongue will take up the dye, but the fungiform papillae, which are small round structures, will stay pink. Pop the piece of paper on the front portion of your tongue and count how many pink dots there are inside the circle with the aid of a magnifying glass.
Results
If you have…
- Fewer than fifteen papillae: non-taster
- Fifteen to thirty-five papillae: taster
- More than thirty-five: super taster
Still Curious?
If you like to geek out like me, you’ll love this interview with Linda Bartoshuk. She talks in-depth about super tasters, obesity research, the tongue map and many other fascinating topics. I watched it and took notes…
Lead Image Courtesy of DinSide.
