a child will probably make a face when offered a slice of lemon and reject it. Adults, however often enjoy sprinking lemon juice on certain foods. The difference in this sensitivity to flavors lies in the taste buds, the thousands of tiny taste receptors that line the tongue. the sensitivity to flavors is determined by the number of taste buds in the mouth. Young children's tongues are loaded with taste buds and are especially sensitive; therefore, sour or spicy flavors seem more intense to them. Adults seek out spicy or bitter foods to stimulate their smaller supply of taste buds.