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30. When Sugar Isn't Sweet
How can you put sugar on your tongue and not taste anything sweet? As we investigate that, we will also learn something about how your tastebuds work.
You will need:
- a paper towel
- sugar
First, stick out your tongue. No, not at your sister, just stick it out. The next part is a bit strange, but trust me on this. Use the paper towel to dry your tongue. Really. I mean it. Your tongue must be very dry for this to work.
Once your tongue is very dry, keep sticking it out and pour a little sugar onto it. Now, notice what you taste. Nothing, if you got it dry enough.
Why? In order for you to taste the sugar, it needs to be wet. The liquid dissolves the sugar and carries it to your tastebuds. For you to taste the sugar, the sugar molecules have to fit into the taste receptors for sweet taste. This is like a key fitting into a lock. If the sugar molecules are all stuck together, they can't fit into the receptor, so you don't taste anything. To get the sweet flavor, the sugar needs to be dissolved in a liquid.
That is one of the jobs that your saliva performs. When your mouth waters, it helps you to taste your food.
Have a wonder-filled week.
