Expert: Walter Hintz - 11/17/2011

Question
My uncle had an operation when he was younger which left him without the sense of taste. I know in theres a natural chemical that makes chilli peppers hot. I was wondering if he would still feel the heat from hot chilli's but not the flavour with no sense of taste?

Answer
There is a difference between taste and flavor. There are sweet,sour,bitter and salty taste buds in the mouth. Flavor comes from the sense of taste combining with the sense of smell. I cannot tell you what your uncle felt but the chemicals in hot things can effect other receptors so I think he might have felt hotness. Is he still around so you can ask him? Merv