One test for "taster/non-taster" (I'm not sure if it's for what's being called a "supertaster" or not) is often done in Biology classes during a genetics unit. (has anyone else done this?)
Students get a small strip of paper, on which is a susbstance (PTC) that is very bitter to those who can taste it. Some speculation is that if you are a homozygous for the ability to taste (TT instead of Tt or tt), then it is a more intense bitter taste. This might be an indication of a "supertaster."
I did this experiment in my classroom - I can't taste it, so it's fun to see the reactions of the kids who can taste it... and their amazement when I don't react to the bitterness.
As per the supertaster stuff - I like some alcoholic beverages [no thanks on the beer], dislike Brussels sprouts[nastly little things], tolerate cabbage and kale [prefer spinach and lettuce], love coffee, grapefruit juice, green tea, and spinach[salads mostly, cooked: best on pizza or in lasagna] and I like soy sauce... and as for other soy products, sure... whatever. I dislike chili peppers, tonic water, and olives, but that's just me.
Carol
On 8/2/08, Chris Goodwin <cgoodwin@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Fri, 1 Aug 2008, Christopher Hickman wrote:
On Friday, August 01, 2008, at 01:36PM, "Andy Looney" <andy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
this fortnight in our news...
<http://www.wunderland.com/WhatsOld/2008/WN.07.31.08.html>
Andy may be a supertaster, but I certainly am not. With the exception of coffee, that list of "problem foods" sounded like a delicious shopping list!
Perhaps I am one. The only food on the list I like is cabbage.
And that includes hot foods and tonic water; I can't handle a lot of spice. Mild is about the strongest of most things I can take. It was worse when I was a kid; mustard and onions were too strong for me then.
I was a very picky eater.
--
Chris Goodwin
cgoodwin@xxxxxxxxx
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Carol Townsend
carol.townsend@xxxxxxxxxH: 630.681.0311
C: 630.215.6027