ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Supertaster

Dear kiddo,

Have you ever tasted something that you thought was yucky? Maybe it was too spicy or bitter for you. Well, some people have a special power to taste things more strongly than others, and they're called supertasters!

Supertasters have more taste buds on their tongues than regular tasters. These taste buds are little bumps on our tongues that can detect different flavors like sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami (pronounced oo-MAH-me), which is a savory flavor.

Supertasters have a lot more of these little bumps, so they can taste things much stronger than other people. For example, if they try a piece of broccoli, it might taste really bitter to them, while someone else might not notice the bitterness as much.

Because supertasters have a stronger sense of taste, they might be really good at detecting subtle differences in foods. They might be able to tell if something has a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg in it, for instance. That can be really helpful for people who work as chefs or taste testers.

Sometimes, though, being a supertaster can be a little bit tricky. Some foods that taste delicious to most people might be too strong or overwhelming for a supertaster. For example, spicy foods might be too hot for them to enjoy or anything bitter.

Overall, being a supertaster means having a magical power to taste the world in a big way. So, next time you try something new and wonder why it tastes so different, just remember that supertasters are experiencing tastes on a whole new level!
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