Would You Want to Be a Supertaster?

Would You Want to Be a Supertaster?

For food enthusiasts, the gut response to this question might a resounding Yes, but if you did jump to that conclusion, there are a few issues to take into account:

• “Supertaster” is a descriptor, probably dreamed up by some research scientist, to designate people who seem to have a hypersensitivity to certain tastes, like bitterness in foods, including chocolate and coffee, and fattiness, none of which they can abide.

• If you fancy yourself of value to others in the world of food criticism, it might be more desirable to be a “regular taster,” as that might put you more closely in sync with how most people actually taste specific foods.

• As a supertaster, you may be avoiding foods that could be good for you. For instance, supertasters may be at risk for cancers that seem to be inhibited by some bitter foods, like perhaps broccoli, that supertasters would tend to avoid.

According to those who study these things, 25% of the population are supertasters; 50% are regular tasters; 25% are non-tasters. Where do you fall in this taxonomy? Well, for this year’s LTH holiday party, we have about 40 test strips (courtesy of the generous and thoughtful Ed Fisher/gleam) that can help you make your own determination. So, the first 40 or so people who come to the holiday party will be able to find out where they stand (or taste) – if they want to know (and it’s possible some might not).

Sign up for here for LTH ChanuKwanzaChristadan Festivus at Manny’s, 12/15/07:
http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=15884

Once you take the test, you may, if you like, take a brief survey @ http://supertastertest.com/survey