Day 108 of 365

April 18

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Food Science

The Bitter Taste Gene

Humans have gene TAS2R38 with variants determining whether you taste certain bitter compounds. About 25% are 'supertasters' tasting bitter intensely, 25% are 'non-tasters,' and 50% are average. This explains why some people hate Brussels sprouts or cilantro. Distribution varies by ancestry, suggesting evolutionary advantages in different environments.

💡 Did you know?

Supertasters have more taste buds but often prefer fewer vegetables despite better taste equipment!

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