Poor taste
What factors affect the ability to taste, and do they differ between men and women? Several factors, such as age, dietary habits, and smoking history may be involved. Mojet et al (2001) did not find a significant difference in sensitivity to taste between men and women, but did find significant age and sex interaction. Older men needed far more concentrated solutions of taste stimuli (such as salt, sugar, or vinegar) than young men or women. Mojet et al attributed this difference to overall taste loss. McDaid et al (2007) found that dietary zinc intake had a greater effect on the taste acuity of males than females. Nakazato et al (2002), measuring taste acuity with electrogustometry (EGM), found that in teenagers, females had lower taste thresholds (more sensitive) than males. In adults, however, sex differences in taste sensitivity disappeared when number of cigarettes smoked was taken into account (women in the sample tended to smoke less).
I know I'm personally guilty of associating strong, overpowering flavors (barbecue, curry, chili) with masculinity and more delicate ones (fruits, teas, fish) with femininity. It's a habit I'm trying to kick, but the people in my life aren't making it easy. It's hard for me to kick a stereotype when people live up to it. However, much like in Nakazato's sample, smokers in my sample are predominately male. Vegetarians in my sample are actually fairly evenly split. And now is the time on Difference Blog when we dance, as all my spicy-food-loving female friends take me to task. All I'm asking is that one male speak up for peaches.
I know I'm personally guilty of associating strong, overpowering flavors (barbecue, curry, chili) with masculinity and more delicate ones (fruits, teas, fish) with femininity. It's a habit I'm trying to kick, but the people in my life aren't making it easy. It's hard for me to kick a stereotype when people live up to it. However, much like in Nakazato's sample, smokers in my sample are predominately male. Vegetarians in my sample are actually fairly evenly split. And now is the time on Difference Blog when we dance, as all my spicy-food-loving female friends take me to task. All I'm asking is that one male speak up for peaches.