Some people like broccoli and some people hate it. There may be a scientific reason! Cruciferous vegetables contain bitter compounds called glucosinolates. Specific human genes determine whether a person can taste this bitterness. To test for this, scientists use PTC (phenylthiocarbamide), a man-made compound similar to glucosinolates. So for those who can taste PTC, you can make a scientific case for your distaste!