20 Things You Didn't Know About... Taste

Flavor-tripping, supertasters, trying food in the womb, and plenty more

By Kirsten Weir
Feb 10, 2011 12:00 AMApr 6, 2023 6:19 PM

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

1  Remember the tongue map you learned about in junior high—the one showing taste receptors for sweet flavors on the tip of the tongue, bitter in the back, and sour on the sides? It’s totally wrong.

2  That bogus map came from an English mistranslation of a German research paper.

 In truth, any area can pick up any taste (although sensitivity does vary across the tongue).

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group