Despite what you think about the taste of fatty foods, scientists at Purdue University have isolated the molecules of fat and a group of volunteers say the taste is not good.

According to Forbes, researchers say fat has a one-of-a-kind taste, and brain activity that generates the taste.

A volunteer group with their noses clipped to avoid the sense of smell was given chemically-infused samples of all basic taste groups (bitter, salty, sour, sweet and umami, or savoriness) and fatty acids.  The group was asked to describe the taste sensation.

The fatty acids were described as sour or bitter, but not exactly.  It seems the group thought the fatty acids were not quite either sour or bitter, but had a taste of its own.  The distinct taste, since it had no name, was dubbed “oleogustus” by the scientists.  The name was taken from Latin terms for oil and taste.

We all know that junk foods high in fat seem to appeal to all, so its somewhat surprising that fat itself does not have a pleasant taste. It appears that one form of fat may be appealing to humans, while another is repulsive.  The researchers say we may be conditioned to like the taste of fat, but dislike the fatty acids.

A possible explanation could be that fatty acids tend to accumulate as fat breaks down in rotting foods, and the taste could be a warning against ingesting something that might not agree with you.

The results of this study could have major implications for obesity research.  Many scientists think the taste of fat should be considered as one of the major taste groups.

Humans have various responses to the taste of food.  Many people love bitter tasting foods, while others prefer sweeter tasting options.  Identifying the taste of fat may someday lead to answers to many question about our eating habits.