Somewhat food-related… actually, very much so, as it has to do with eating.

Ever since I was little, I couldn’t stand the taste of silverware in my mouth. The worse was my grandparents’ aluminum forks and spoons that just made me gag every time they touched my lips or tongue. Stainless steel is somewhat better, but I have been opting for plastic for a long time, ever since I’m not concerned about what other people think about that or me asking for those. I also can’t drink out of metallic bottles, so had to buy a plastic sipper for my eco-friendly canteen.

Now, my family has a small supply of ‘party ware’ for when I’m visiting 🙂 It’s also the sound the metal makes on the porcelain plates, but that’s another story.

Until recently, only one person, who should remain nameless for his protection, but I swear he’s real mentioned to have the same sensitivity, – not necessarily gag-reflex sensitivity, but he admitted he can certainly taste the metal. But, I also just found out about this (or rather, this explains that following cultural phenomenon):

“In Asia, everyone is aware of the metallic taste that these utensils impart on food and therefore prefer to eat with their hands. Even healthy Indians, although they may have a silver set (as they can certainly afford it) will eat with their hands.”

Not exactly the same reason, but pretty darn close: it’s all about the metallic taste. People still look at me funny when I ask for plastic fork or spoon, and some are curious but say they simply can’t taste it. I totally accept that, some of us are just more sensitive than others. It’s my vindication however that a whole continent is backing up my ‘oddball’ behavior 🙂