Why does ear wax taste sour?
I am interested in both the physiochemical mechanisms and the evolutionary reasons behind the sour taste of earwax.
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4$\begingroup$ Well, I am curious - How do you know ear wax tastes sour ?! $\endgroup$– biogirlCommented Mar 26, 2014 at 12:37
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$\begingroup$ I know because... for science. $\endgroup$– user3079671Commented Nov 5, 2016 at 16:39
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1 Answer
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Earwax, also called cerumen, is slightly acidic (1), with a pH of about 6, and acidic foods or substances taste sour. The composition of earwax, upon which its taste depends, is related to its functions. Earwax aids in cleaning and lubrication of the ear canal and has an antimicrobial effect. The antimicrobial effect is in part attributed to its acidity, which might give an evolutionary reason for the sour taste.
From Wikipedia:
Cerumen is produced in the outer third of the cartilaginous portion of the ear canal. It is a mixture of viscous secretions from sebaceous glands and less-viscous ones from modified apocrine sweat glands.[4] The primary components of earwax are shed layers of skin, with 60% of the earwax consisting of keratin, 12–20% saturated and unsaturated long-chain fatty acids, alcohols, squalene and 6–9% cholesterol.[5]
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While studies conducted up until the 1960s found little evidence supporting antibacterial activity for cerumen,[15] more recent studies have found that cerumen has a bactericidal effect on some strains of bacteria. These antimicrobial properties are due principally to the presence of saturated fatty acids, lysozyme and, especially, to the slight acidity of cerumen.
